KIANEWS 
Finnish company HMD Global has launched a new HMD Fuse smartphone aimed specifically at children. According to the company, it is the world's first smartphone that prevents children from filming, broadcasting or viewing nude and sexually explicit content, even while streaming.
HMD Renews Feature Phones - Video Calls, AI Assistant, and Digital Wallet Coming
01. 03. 2026 Sunday / By: Robert Denes / Reviews / Exact time: BST / Print this page
F innish HMD Global plans to revamp its feature phone lineup by 2026 with video calls, an AI assistant, and a built-in digital wallet. The reforms will initially focus on India, a key market for HMD's feature phones.
HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has announced a revamp of its feature phones ahead of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. HMD has often seen multiple product launches in Barcelona, but this time the company focused on hinting at what's to come.
Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is introducing video calling, an AI assistant, and its first digital wallet to its next-generation smartphones.
Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2026 — At Human Mobile Devices (HMD), we’ve always believed that technology should be purposeful, accessible, and built for real life. Today, HMD is announcing a series of innovations that will launch by 2026 and reimagine what a simple phone can do: a first-of-its-kind built-in digital wallet to unlock financial access, video calling that expands the connection between traditional phones and smartphones, and an AI assistant that will bring smarter, more useful features to everyday life for people everywhere, including the next billion people.At the heart of the announcement is HMD’s ambition to provide essential digital services to those who remain underconnected, while delivering thoughtful innovation for mature markets, including solutions tailored for older adults. These innovations are not only designed to help bridge the digital and financial divide, but also to make traditional phones more capable, inclusive and relevant for everyone around the world.
In 2026, HMD will further expand this vision with a new generation of smartphone experiences, including:
Secure money transfers for the first time on a simple phone - A built-in digital wallet specifically designed for secure money transfers, allowing users to quickly and securely receive money from family and friends, store it on their device, and withdraw money through local payment systems. Users can also transfer money to their UPI account, allowing them to pay for everyday goods through existing payment channels. The service is built with strong device-level security, PIN protection and trusted partners. The launch in India will begin in the first half of 2026, with global expansion planned for later in the year.
This service is being developed with two specialist partners: Kivi3, a fintech technology provider that enables seamless and compliant digital transfers on traditional phones, and Polygon Labs, a global blockchain payments company that builds and operates infrastructure to move money instantly, reliably and across the web. Together, they are developing HMD feature phones with secure, affordable and near-instant international digital transfer capabilities — including use cases such as receiving money from family members abroad.
India is a natural starting point for this journey. It is the world’s largest remittance market, a global leader in digital payments, and a country where traditional phones remain essential to everyday life. The recently announced partnership between HMD and Sarvam AI further strengthens India’s role as a global mobile innovation hub, helping to deliver locally relevant AI experiences to feature phone users at scale. HMD has long been a market leader in feature phones in India, making it an ideal environment for global experimentation, learning and scaling. After an initial launch in India in the first half of 2026, HMD plans a gradual international rollout in key markets later in the year.
Video calling and messaging:
Feature phone users can make video calls to friends and family using the front camera and a lightweight chat app that also supports voice messages, photos and group chats. The experience works seamlessly between feature phones and smartphones, as long as both devices have the Xpress Chat app installed.
AI in a simple phone:
HMD is taking a thoughtful approach to introducing AI, with a focus on making it meaningful, practical and truly useful for feature phone users. For the first time, it is introducing an AI assistant to its feature phone offering, helping users complete everyday tasks with simple voice commands. This includes making calls, setting alarms, turning on the torch, and quick answers to simple questions, reducing the need for fewer layers of menus and button presses. For many users The only connected device in a household may be a traditional phone, and this capability will help them not to be left behind as digital services continue to evolve.
Innovation for older adults:
HMD is bridging the digital divide for seniors by integrating advanced AI into its popular feature phones, building on the success of its family-centric portfolio. In partnership with inTouch, a company that specializes in reducing isolation for seniors, HMD is introducing a service that transforms a simple phone into a gateway to connection. Available at the touch of a button, the AI is uniquely trained for older ears and minds – speaking slowly, preserving personal stories and engaging in meaningful, context-aware conversations. This pilot explores how cutting-edge AI can support independence and well-being on even the simplest devices, laying the foundation for a wider European rollout.
"We bring sophisticated AI companionship to seniors through the most familiar interface imaginable: their voice, on a simple phone they already trust. We remove the barriers to entry so they can just pick up the device and enjoy connecting. We are thrilled to work with HMD to support seniors and their loved ones, driving deeper connection and greater family well-being."
Vassili le Moigne, founder and CEO of inTouch
Via Link“At HMD, we believe innovation is most powerful when it makes technology more accessible and meaningful in everyday life. The partnership with Sarvam AI, recently announced in India, is a strong example of how local innovation ecosystems are helping shape the future of mobile experiences. Building on our leadership in feature phones, our teams are reimagining what these devices can deliver — from AI and communication to financial access and digital services. Today’s announcement marks an important step forward as we bring smarter, more inclusive innovation to the next billion users.”
Jean-François Baril, Chairman and CEO of Human Mobile Devices said