As a seasoned tech reviewer, there aren’t a lot of launches that gets me super excited. This is one of them.
Human Mobile Devices has taken a different approach to smartphones with the HMD Fusion with a focus on customisation and self-repairability. Eight years since the official death of Project Ara, the modular phone concept from Google, HMD has taken the concept and brought it to the market.
Wrapped in an uber-cool industrial-chic shell, HMD Fusion is the pinnacle of mobile phone design, a customisable experience delivered through a series of interchangeable outfits which enable consumers to tailor their HMD Fusion to their own personal style and needs.
HMD Fusion taps into the raw, grunge aesthetic beloved by Gen Z with a slim, strong, stainless-steel reinforced plastic casing. The no-frills industrial chic making it an enviable fashion statement. The device comes with a clear Casual Outfit that showcases its groundbreaking design so you can go au-naturel when you don’t need any extra functionalities. But the HMD Fusion is more than just a pretty face, coming equipped with a top-of-the-range camera system. Both front and rear cameras are packed with features, helping you capture core memories like a pro. The 50MP selfie camera opens up new possibilities with Selfie Gestures and Selfie Slow-Mo, whilst a 108MP dual rear camera is ready for low light, high speeds and most things in between. It’s a personal paparazzi in your pocket.
As with other smartphones in Human Mobile Devices’ original portfolio, HMD Pulse Family and HMD Skyline, HMD Fusion is designed with FIY (fix it yourself) front of mind. The device is equipped with Gen 2 repairability, making it easier than ever to repair a smashed screen, depleted battery or damaged charging port. Simply pop open the device, unscrew the screen or replace the battery, and put it back together using an iFixit kit which starts from A$39.99.
With design a key characteristic of HMD Fusion, users can change their outfits via six specialised pins which will instantly alter the hardware and software of the phone, unlocking new capabilities, unique interfaces and enhanced performance. But that’s just the beginning.
Believing that collaboration fosters creativity, Human Mobile Devices is putting the power in your hands, with HMD Fusion being customisable with a simple to use, open-source software and hardware developer kit3. Whether it’s for creativity, gaming or productivity, Human Mobile Devices’ latest smartphone evolves with you – the only limit is your imagination.
And as the digital detox movement continues to gain pace, Human Mobile Devices is on a mission to provide people with a choice when it comes to their smartphone use. Want a break from social media or some down time from always-on notifications? With a bespoke app and contact blocking, HMD’s Digital Detox Mode will allow you to tailor your digital detox to your needs, giving you more time to live in the moment without distraction.
Available in store from early December, Human Mobile Devices is launching a suite of interchangeable Outfits engineered to elevate your smartphone experience. Built for the selfie queens, the Flashy Outfit will be a content creator’s dream that’s equipped with a built-in ring light for use with both the front and back camera. A game-changer for selfie afficionados, HMD Fusion is the first device that will allow you to control mood lighting and camera effects via on device controls, thanks to seamless integration with the existing camera app infrastructure. And there’s no bulky case or need for charging as the Flashy Outfit is powered by the device itself via Fusion’s six smart pins.
The Rugged Outfit is for those who need their phone to roll with the punches. Built for added protection, the IP68 outfit is dust-tight and protected against full immersion in water4. Complete with wireless charging support with magnets and an in-case-of-emergency (ICE) button, it’s any adrenaline junkie’s best friend. And the Wireless Outfit brings tech that’s usually reserved for a higher price within reach.
Brenden Folitarik, General Manager Australia and Oceania at Human Mobile Devices (HMD); “The HMD Fusion epitomises our goal to put the ‘Human’ in Human Mobile Devices. By being able to mix and match outfits that suit your personality, all surrounding an incredible and affordable new smartphone, we are delivering absolute self-expression. More broadly the HMD Fusion joins an exciting Australian range which is growing quickly and collectively offers incredible choice in features and pricing to Australian consumers.”
Lars Silberbauer, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Human Mobile Devices (HMD); “In this day and age, a smartphone is more than just a device for connectivity. It’s a fashion statement, a means to express ourselves and a tool for navigating the modern world. HMD Fusion is the next generation of smartphone – for the first time, we’re inviting people to embrace their creativity and build a device that’s totally tailored to them with our industry-first Smart Outfits. Fusion represents everything we stand for at Human Mobile Devices: creativity, innovation and collaboration, and we’re so excited to see what people create.”
As with all other smartphones in the HMD range, HMD Fusion comes with a 3-year warranty, a minimum of two years of OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates.
HMD Fusion is available at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon, Officeworks (online), Big W (online) and via www.hmd.com/en_au for A$499 RRP. Flashy, Rugged and Gaming Outfits will be coming soon.
