Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 22 October 2024 – Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a leading European innovator in mobile technology, is proud to unveil a series of exciting developments that underscore its commitment to global growth and cutting-edge innovation. At the forefront is a landmark partnership with FC Barcelona, aimed at boosting brand visibility and enhancing fan engagement across multiple sports.

HMD is also gearing up for the Malaysian launch of its highly anticipated HMD Skyline and HMD Barbie™ phone, showcasing its dedication to delivering devices that blend style with functionality. Additionally, tech enthusiasts can look forward to the upcoming HMD Fusion series, set to redefine the mobile experience with its advanced features and customization options.

HMD Global Partners with FC Barcelona to Bring Fans Closer to the Game

Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has officially partnered with FC Barcelona as its Global Partner and Official Mobile Phone Partner. This partnership spans across FC Barcelona’s multiple sports teams, including basketball, futsal, handball, and roller hockey, solidifying HMD’s presence across key venues and digital platforms for the next three years. Is not just a commercial agreement; it celebrates passion, creativity, and the spirit of the beautiful game, enhancing fan experiences through innovative technology.

The initial three-year deal aims to boost HMD’s visibility primarily through digital advertising at the Olympic Stadium and later at Spotify Camp Nou, as well as across FC Barcelona’s extensive digital platforms, which reach 468 million people globally. In conjunction with this partnership, HMD launched with a video featuring celebrity barber Saul Peregrina, where a Barça fan receives a haircut blending the club’s crest with the HMD logo, highlighting the HMD Skyline’s features.

Lars Silberbauer, Global CMO of HMD, remarked, “When it comes to creativity and innovation in sport you simply cannot look past FC Barcelona. The club has always championed fresh thinking, beauty, and flair, and we have the same mindset when it comes to technology. And just like FC Barcelona brings people together – it’s more than a club obviously – we’re the same. Every device we make is designed to enhance people’s lives and build connectivity. I’ve been a FC Barcelona fan for a long time, ever since Michael Laudrup joined the club back in 1989. I’m still a fan, and pleased to announce HMD as a supporter too. We can’t wait to work with the club, and the culers, to do some amazing things together.”

Juli Guiu, Vice-President of FC Barcelona’s Marketing Area, added, “We are very proud to take a new step forward in our commercial strategy by incorporating the HMD company as a new Global Partner. We feel very aligned with them in terms of brand values because theirs is an honest, transparent vision of technology that makes a priority of waste disposal and responsible use, with special consideration for the welfare of future generations. HMD and Barça are, from now on, two brands that go hand in hand from the present but looking to the future.” 

HMD Skyline: Reach for the Skyline

The HMD Skyline marks HMD’s first foray into 5G smartphones and is equipped with extraordinary camera capabilities designed for the modern creator. Officially launching in Malaysia on 25 October 2024, the Skyline will be available at a starting price of RM1,999. For more details, please refer to the table below for pricing and availability.

Cutting-Edge Camera Technology for Capturing Every Moment
It features a powerful 50MP front camera with autofocus, advanced eye-tracking technology, and a unique “selfie gesture” function that allows users to activate the camera effortlessly with a simple hand sign, such as a peace sign or one of three other gestures.

On the back, the impressive 108MP Hybrid OIS triple rear camera offers stunning photography capabilities, including portrait mode for beautiful 50mm shots with bokeh effects, a 4x zoom for crisp close-ups, and a 0.5 ultra-wide mode for capturing expansive scenery and group shots. The AI Capture Fusion technology ensures every detail is captured with clarity and precision, even in zoomed images. Celebrating these powerful photography features, Gen Z photographer Rosanna Elettra has created a striking 10-image series shot entirely on the HMD Skyline, showcasing vibrant nightlife and candid moments around the city.

Digital Well-Being and Impressive Battery Life
The HMD Skyline also introduces a Detox Mode, allowing users to tailor their digital experience and focus on real-world interactions, enhancing overall well-being. With up to 48 hours of battery life and convenient Qi2 magnetic charging, the Skyline is built to keep up with the demands of today’s dynamic lifestyle.

HMD Barbie™ Phone: A Nostalgic Glamour in Your Pocket

Following the launch of the HMD Skyline series, Human Mobile Devices proudly presents the HMD Barbie™ Phone, a retro flip phone that infuses nostalgia and glam into everyday life. It’s pink, it’s chic, it’s sleek, and it has a mirror on the front (so you can touch up on the go). This exciting release is officially set to debut in Malaysia on 25 October 2024 and is the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone. The chic pink device will be available at an attractive price of RM599. For more details, please refer to the table below for pricing and availability.

Charming Design and Customization Options
The HMD Barbie™ Phone features a convenient mirror on the front, perfect for touch-ups on the go. Embracing the return of replaceable covers, it comes with two vibrant designs: the iconic swirls of the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie™ doll and a classic “shooting heart” design.

Additionally, it includes a delightful beaded phone strap adorned with mini Barbie-themed charms, such as a roller skate and ice cream, adding a playful touch to this must-have accessory. The sales package includes the HMD Barbie™ Phone, two extra back covers, a pink battery, a pink USB-A to USB Type-C charging cable, retro vintage stickers and gem stickers, a beaded lanyard with detachable charms, a cleaning cloth, and a quick setup guide.

Designed for Fun and Individuality
Designed in collaboration with Mattel’s in-house team, the HMD Barbie™ Phone features a bespoke user interface with Barbie wallpapers and app icons promoting digital well-being. With a 0.3MP camera that captures Y2K-style images and up to nine hours of talk time, this phone is not just a communication device—it’s a lifestyle accessory that allows users to express their individuality.

Commenting on the launch, Lars Silberbauer stated, “In our fast-paced digital world, it can often feel like the online buzz never stops. This phone encourages you to ditch your smartphone in times when you just want less browsing and more fun, all with the help of a true cultural icon, Barbie. Barbie is as popular as she’s ever been, and feature phones are continuing to go from strength to strength – we’re bringing two brilliant things together. We cannot wait for people to get their hands on the device and take a holiday from their smartphone”.

Gear Up for the Future: The HMD Fusion Series Is Coming Soon!

Get ready, because the HMD Fusion is about to redefine the mobile experience like never before. Launching soon in Malaysia, this innovative smartphone brings unparalleled customization, letting you effortlessly revamp, repair, and restyle your device to match your unique style. And it doesn’t stop there—unlock the full potential of your Fusion with Smart Outfits, featuring accessories like ring lights for flawless selfies, wireless charging, rugged protection, and gaming enhancements.

This is just the beginning. With endless opportunities to personalise and elevate your device, the HMD Fusion series is set to transform the way you think about smartphones. The countdown has started, and the future of mobile is about to get a whole lot more flexible. Stay tuned—exciting things are on the horizon, and you won’t want to miss a moment!

Price and Availability

The HMD Skyline and HMD Barbie™ Phone will be available starting from 25 October 2024.  You can get the HMD Skyline and  HMD Barbie™ Phone at Zitron Fulfilment and other authorised dealers.

HMD will continue to sell Nokia phones while releasing new HMD original devices through Zitron Fulfilment Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor for all HMD devices. Stay tuned for updates at www.hmd.com. and be among the first to experience the future of smartphones!