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Nokia manufacturers launch “Barbie” phone that has no smart features – and that’s what it’s all about
Michigan

Nokia manufacturers launch “Barbie” phone that has no smart features – and that’s what it’s all about

The inspiration for a new mobile phone comes from Barbie and reflects people’s concerns about the damage their devices could do to their health.

The retro-style clamshell phone intentionally lacks any of the smart features that have made the iPhone and other devices a permanent part of our lives.

It costs £99 and is available to order now.

Instead, it only has technologies available in the early 1990s and 2000s era of mobile phones: a camera, calls, and texting. There is no connection to social media or the Internet.

This is designed to help people perform a “digital detox,” say the device’s developers. The flip phone includes tips on digital wellbeing, and HMD’s developers said they have noticed a growing interest in taking a break from today’s feature-packed devices.

In addition to its features, or lack thereof, the device comes with a range of stickers and cases that can be used to customize the phone.

Lars Silberbauer, Chief Marketing Officer at HMD, said: “In our fast-moving digital world, it can often seem like the online buzz never ends.

“This phone encourages you to put your smartphone aside for times when you want to browse less and have more fun, all with the help of a true cultural icon: Barbie.

“Barbie is more popular than ever and feature phones continue to grow in popularity – we’re bringing two brilliant things together.

“We can’t wait for people to get their hands on the device and take a break from their smartphones.”

Analysts say the launch will meet the continued demand for phones without internet and other smart features, given the growing interest in digital detox and the increasing oversaturation of today’s modern devices.

“HMD deserves applause for bringing a bit of fun to the humble ‘dumbphone’. Everyone I’ve shown the phone to loves the idea and design. It’s a very eye-catching product that definitely turns heads,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst and head of marketing at CCS Insight.

“Some may think the dumbphone has reached the end of its life, but CCS Insight estimates that over 400,000 will be sold in the UK this year. That’s an attractive niche for a company like HMD.

“The Barbie phone taps into the current trend of digital detoxification and has a fun design that could be widely accepted. I could imagine many people being enticed to buy it for fun, but in reality, everyone is so addicted to their smartphone that more than a few detox days will be too much.”

HMD has long tried to capitalize on interest in moving away from today’s smartphones, as well as nostalgia for devices from earlier eras. The company is largely made up of Nokia’s old phone business and is run by many of its former executives, selling updated versions of the company’s popular devices like the 3310.

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