HMD X1: A Smart, Safe Phone for Kids
freecores.com – Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a Finnish phone maker, introduced the HMD X1 with a bold goal: to create a child-friendly smartphone that doesn’t sacrifice style or safety. Launched under the company’s Better Phone Project initiative, the X1 is designed to appeal to both kids and parents.
The company addressed a common issue in the parental control phone market—many devices may feel secure but appear dull or restrictive to younger users. Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized that children shouldn’t have to choose between having fun and staying protected. He explained the X1 delivers a device that “looks and feels like a premium smartphone” while incorporating safety features parents trust.
The Better Phone Project launched in July 2024, focused on studying how smartphone use affects young people. A global survey of 10,000 parents revealed that 75% fear online dangers, and 65% are concerned about mental health risks from early smartphone use. Over half of those surveyed admitted they regret introducing smartphones to their children too early.
With the X1, HMD aims to flip that narrative by offering a sleek, capable phone that includes built-in protections and modern features—bridging the gap between tech freedom for kids and peace of mind for parents.
The HMD X1 offers a new take on the first-phone experience, blending strong parental control features with modern tech and design appeal. Developed in partnership with Norway-based Xplora Technologies, the phone gives parents full control over app access, internet browsing, screen time, and real-time location tracking. Using the dedicated parent app, families can remotely monitor the device, set safe zones, and enable emergency SOS functions and low battery alerts.
The device also includes a School Mode feature, which locks down specific apps and features during classroom hours to prevent distractions. All controls can be updated remotely, allowing parents to adjust settings based on their child’s daily routines.
From a hardware standpoint, the X1 doesn’t compromise on quality. It boasts a 108MP AI-enhanced camera, 5000mAh battery, facial and fingerprint unlock, IP54 splash resistance, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. The modular design adds further flexibility, letting kids personalize the phone through themed “Outfits”—including gaming, lighting, and battery expansion kits.
While the features aim to make the X1 a compelling option for both parents and kids, experts like John Strand of Strand Consulting acknowledge that winning over children still depends heavily on perceived coolness. “Kids want what their peers have—usually iPhones or high-end Androids,” he noted.
Still, by combining advanced tech, security, and customization, the X1 makes a strong case as a first smartphone that delivers both style and safety.
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Titania Jordan, chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, emphasizes that children process the digital world differently than adults. She explains that exposure to social media, online predators, violent content, and cyberbullying can deeply affect a child’s mental and emotional health. Unlike standard smartphones, which often lack effective parental controls, children’s phones should provide tools that enable full parental oversight. These tools should allow parents to approve contacts, block harmful sites, and manage screen time.
While the HMD X1 addresses many of these needs with on-device controls, Jordan points out it lacks content monitoring. Without this feature, parents may miss warning signs unless they manually check every message or search. She highlights the dangers posed by chat features in games, where predators can manipulate young users. Jordan argues that content monitoring offers families a vital safety net and should be considered a non-negotiable feature in any child-focused phone.
Alex Ambrose from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation stresses that as child-focused devices like the HMD X1 enter the market, privacy concerns must be addressed. She warns that features like location tracking and remote access should include built-in privacy protections from the beginning. Children’s understanding of privacy evolves over time, and Ambrose says the technology must grow with them, easing restrictions as they mature.
Ambrose supports the HMD X1’s use of device-level controls, which she says are more effective than app store filters. These controls simplify management for both parents and children, ensuring that all content accessed on the device is age-appropriate. She believes that clear communication about the phone’s capabilities will help foster informed and responsible use among families.
Jennifer Huddleston of the Cato Institute believes the tech industry has already shown responsiveness to parental concerns. She notes that the growing variety of kid-safe devices and parental control tools—ranging from smartwatches to filtered app ecosystems—shows that market forces are working.
Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all regulations, Huddleston advocates for a wide array of customizable options. She says this flexibility allows parents to choose solutions that best match their values and their child’s maturity level. Huddleston also warns against overly restrictive laws, which could infringe on broader speech and privacy rights. By offering adaptable and diverse options, the market continues to support safe, yet flexible, digital access for young users.
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