HMD Global has announced a strategic partnership with Norway-based Xplora, known for its smartwatches designed for children. This collaboration aims to create a new type of phone that serves as an alternative to traditional smartphones, specifically targeting children and teenagers. The initiative stems from a global survey conducted by HMD earlier this year, revealing a parental demand for addiction-free devices that enhance productivity among youth. While details regarding the phone’s name, features, or launch timeline have yet to be disclosed, the project is generating considerable interest.

Background and Motivation

In a press release dated October 29, HMD emphasized its commitment to developing “responsible and mindful devices” for young users through this partnership. The collaboration follows the launch of HMD’s Better Phone Project, which included a survey of 10,000 parents. The findings indicated that over half of the respondents regretted providing their children with smartphones at an early age, citing negative impacts on family time, sleep, physical activity, and social interactions.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Over 50% of parents regretted giving their children smartphones early.
• 75% of parents expressed concerns about smartphones exposing their children to internet dangers.
• Nearly 50% of parents noted that mobile phone use has changed their child’s personality.

Development Focus

HMD is working on a range of new solutions that present viable alternatives to smartphones, starting with a phone designed specifically for kids and teenagers. The company has previously introduced features like Detox Mode in its HMD Skyline and HMD Fusion devices, aimed at helping users manage screen time effectively.

Features Under Consideration

While specifics about the upcoming device remain under wraps, there is speculation that the first unit from the HMD and Xplora collaboration may be unveiled at the 2025 Mobile World Congress, scheduled for March next year. This event could serve as a significant platform for showcasing innovations aimed at improving digital well-being among young users.

Current Developments: HMD Sage Smartphone

In the meantime, reports indicate that HMD is preparing to launch the HMD Sage smartphone, which has been spotted online featuring a design reminiscent of the HMD Skyline and HMD Crest models. This device is expected to be powered by the Unisoc T760 5G chipset, equipped with 50-megapixel cameras on both the rear and front, and capable of 33W wired fast charging.

Anticipated Specifications

• Chipset: Unisoc T760 5G
• Camera: 50-megapixel on both rear and front
• Charging: 33W wired fast charging

Conclusion

HMD Global’s partnership with Xplora marks an important step towards addressing parental concerns regarding smartphone usage among children and teenagers. By focusing on creating devices that promote healthy usage patterns while enhancing productivity, HMD aims to fill a significant gap in the market.

As this initiative unfolds, it will be critical for HMD to maintain open communication with parents and stakeholders to ensure that the final product meets the needs of both users and their families. With ongoing developments in this space, consumers can look forward to innovative solutions designed specifically for younger audiences in an increasingly digital world.

Apple is gearing up to launch its iPhone 17 lineup in the latter half of next year, and new reports suggest significant upgrades in display technology. According to a report from South Korea’s ETNews, all models in the iPhone 17 series will incorporate LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) screens, allowing for a high refresh rate of 120Hz. This marks a departure from previous models, where high refresh rates were typically reserved for the Pro variants.

Current Display Limitations

Currently, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the inclusion of LTPO technology, sourced from Samsung and LG, would enhance the smoothness and responsiveness of scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences while also reducing power consumption. The transition to LTPO displays is expected to provide users with a more fluid interaction experience, particularly for tasks involving motion.

Previous ProMotion Technology

Since 2021, Apple has offered 120Hz screens, branded as ProMotion displays, exclusively on its Pro iPhone models. These displays also enable always-on functionality. The current iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display, both capped at 60Hz. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max boast displays measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, with refresh rates of up to 120Hz.

Anticipated Features of the iPhone 17 Lineup

In addition to the LTPO displays, leaks suggest the introduction of a new ‘Slim’ or “Air” variant within the iPhone 17 series, potentially replacing the Plus model. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to be powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chip and feature 12GB of RAM, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air may utilize either the A18 or A19 chip with 8GB of RAM. All four models are rumored to include 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, enhancing photo quality for selfies and video calls.

Performance Enhancements

The transition to LTPO technology not only allows for higher refresh rates but also supports variable refresh rates that can adjust based on content being displayed. This means that users could benefit from smoother animations during regular use while conserving battery life during less demanding tasks.

Industry Impact and Competitive Landscape

The introduction of LTPO displays across all models would align Apple more closely with industry trends where competitors have already adopted high-refresh-rate displays in their standard models. Many budget Android devices now offer similar features, making it essential for Apple to keep pace with consumer expectations for display quality.

Consumer Expectations

As users increasingly demand premium features in standard devices, Apple’s decision to equip all iPhone 17 models with LTPO technology could help attract a broader audience seeking advanced display capabilities without the Pro price tag. This move may also reduce differentiation between standard and Pro models, making it easier for consumers to justify their purchases.

Conclusion

The anticipated upgrades in display technology for the iPhone 17 lineup represent a significant leap forward for Apple’s smartphone offerings. By incorporating LTPO screens with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz across all models, Apple aims to enhance user experience while addressing competitive pressures in the market.

With ongoing leaks and rumors leading up to the official announcement expected in September 2025, consumers are eager to see how these advancements will shape their interactions with future iPhones. As always, Apple’s commitment to innovation will be closely watched by both fans and industry analysts alike as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting release.

Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival (AGIF) 2024 has emerged as the company’s most successful event to date, showcasing record-setting engagement and sales. Running from September 27 through early November, this month-long sale witnessed a massive uptick in customer visits, particularly from non-metro cities, which accounted for over 85% of total visits.

Surge in Non-Metro Engagement

The festival attracted an astounding 140 crore customer visits, with tier-2 and smaller cities contributing significantly to this figure. Nearly 70% of new Prime members were from these areas, benefiting from fast-tracked delivery on over 3 crore items. The sale also recorded the highest single-day Prime sign-ups within its initial two days, marking a milestone in Prime membership growth.

Key Statistics

• 140 crore customer visits during the festival.
• 70% of new Prime members from non-metro cities.
• Highest single-day Prime sign-ups in the first two days of the event.

Impressive Seller Growth

Sellers, particularly those from non-metro locations, reported exceptional sales during the festival. More than 70% surpassed last year’s ₹1 crore sales threshold. Small businesses, artisans, and women entrepreneurs thrived during the event, selling products at a remarkable pace of 1,000 units per minute. Approximately 42,000 sellers achieved their best-ever sales day, with most vendors hailing from smaller towns and cities.

Seller Achievements

• Over 70% of sellers exceeded ₹1 crore in sales.
• Approximately 42,000 sellers reached their highest single-day sales.

Amazon Pay and Financial Flexibility

Amazon Pay usage surged during the festival, with a 50% increase in ICICI Bank credit card transactions and a 20% rise in UPI transactions. Electronics purchases on EMI also grew significantly, with 25% of electronics buyers opting for no-cost EMIs. This financial flexibility contributed to increased travel bookings as well, with flight and hotel reservations rising by 20% and 60%, respectively.

Financial Insights

• 50% increase in ICICI Bank credit card transactions.
• 20% rise in UPI transactions.
• Travel bookings saw a 20% increase for flights and a 60% increase for hotels.

Top-Selling Categories and Consumer Preferences

Product categories such as large-screen TVs, 5G smartphones, and audio products experienced significant demand. Amazon’s own devices, including the Fire TV Stick and Redmi Smart Fire TV, were among the top sellers. Laptops—particularly Intel-powered models—saw a 30% year-over-year growth, while home improvement items like festive lighting and décor also gained popularity.

Popular Products

• Large-screen TVs and 5G smartphones were top-selling categories.
• Amazon devices like Fire TV Stick led sales.
• Home improvement items including string lights and garlands were in high demand.

Non-metro cities drove over half of all sales in large appliances and televisions, underscoring Amazon’s expanding reach in these regions. The introduction of Amazon Bazaar, focused on daily essentials, saw a four-fold increase in users predominantly from tier-2 cities and beyond.

Growth in Amazon Business

Amazon Business experienced a 50% rise in new business customers during this festival season. Many opted for Prime membership to take advantage of early access and faster delivery. The demand for bulk discounts grew significantly, with businesses ordering larger quantities and benefiting from tailored discounts.

Business Insights

• New business customers increased by 50%.
• Strong interest in bulk orders with tailored discounts.

Conclusion

Overall, the Great Indian Festival 2024 highlighted Amazon’s growing influence beyond India’s metro areas, driven by widespread participation from non-metro consumers and a strong push from small and medium businesses. The success of this year’s festival not only reflects changing consumer behavior but also underscores the importance of e-commerce platforms in enhancing accessibility to products across diverse regions.

As Amazon continues to expand its offerings and enhance user experience, the insights gained from this festival will likely inform future marketing strategies aimed at tapping into the burgeoning market outside major metropolitan areas. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology, Amazon is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in India’s dynamic e-commerce landscape.