HMD Fusion X1: As digital safety concerns continue to rise, HMD Global has introduced a new smartphone tailored for children: the HMD Fusion X1. This innovative device is designed with extensive parental controls, social media locks, and location-tracking features, offering a secure alternative for parents who want to manage their child’s online experience effectively.
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HMD Unveils Fusion X1: A Smartphone Designed for Safe and Controlled Screen Time
Parental Controls for a Safer Digital Experience
One of the standout features of the Fusion X1 is its built-in parental controls, allowing guardians to:
- Block Access to Apps: Parents can restrict access to social media apps and web browsers, preventing distractions and exposure to inappropriate content.
- Set Usage Limits: A “Stay Focused” mode can be activated to block access to apps during school hours or bedtime, helping children maintain a healthy screen-life balance.
- Approve Contacts for Messaging and Calls: Only pre-approved contacts can communicate with the child, ensuring safety from unknown numbers or online threats.
Advanced Location Tracking for Peace of Mind
The Fusion X1 also features a location-tracking system that provides real-time updates. Parents can:
- Set Safe Zones: Receive alerts when their child leaves designated safe areas such as school or home.
- Monitor Movement: Track their child’s whereabouts to ensure their safety at all times.
The Better Phone Project: A Step Towards Child-Safe Smartphones
HMD has been working on The Better Phone Project, a year-long initiative aimed at developing safer smartphones for children. Research conducted by HMD found that over 50% of children had been contacted by strangers online, with many being encouraged to engage in private conversations. The Fusion X1 is a direct response to these alarming statistics, providing a safer alternative to unrestricted smartphone access.
HMD partnered with Norwegian tech firm Xplora, known for its child-safe smartwatches, to integrate a subscription-based parental control system directly into the Fusion X1’s operating system. Additionally, HMD is collaborating with British cybersecurity firm SafeToNet to introduce AI-powered real-time harm protection that blocks harmful content before it reaches young users.
A Growing Trend in Child-Safe Smartphones
The Fusion X1 is part of a broader movement towards creating secure and controlled digital environments for children. Companies like Pinwheel have already introduced similar devices, demonstrating a growing demand for child-friendly smartphones.
Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of designing technology with families in mind:
“Smartphones aren’t just tech – they shape childhoods, family dynamics, and society itself. Few companies are building solutions with children and parents in mind. We are working with parents to do exactly that.”
The Future of Child-Friendly Smartphones
HMD has committed to launching two additional child-safe devices in 2025, continuing its mission to empower children to use technology safely while giving parents greater peace of mind.
With rising concerns about screen addiction, cyber threats, and exposure to inappropriate content, the Fusion X1 presents a balanced solution—offering children access to digital technology while ensuring a safe and controlled online experience.
FAQs
What makes the HMD Fusion X1 different from a regular smartphone?
The Fusion X1 is designed with built-in parental controls, social media locks, and location tracking, making it safer for children to use compared to standard smartphones.
Can parents control which apps their child can access?
Yes, parents can block access to certain apps, including social media and web browsers, through the device’s parental control system.
