HMD Global, the Finnish company that owns the rights to use the Nokia brand on mobile devices, has announced that it will be launching its own line of smartphones and tablets under a new HMD brand. The move is part of the company’s vision to create a more sustainable and affordable future for telecommunications.
The company, which was founded in 2016 by former Nokia executives and Foxconn founder Terry Gou, has been producing Nokia-branded Android devices for the past six years. The Nokia phones have been known for their durability, reliability, and nostalgia, with models such as the revived Nokia 3310 and the recent Nokia 130 and 150 feature phones.
However, HMD Global is now ready to enter the market independently with its own original brand of mobile devices, which will coexist with the Nokia phones. The company says it will also collaborate with new partners that have not been revealed yet.
Jean-Francois Baril, chairman & CEO at HMD Global, writes in a blog post that the company has established its own Research and Development, software development, distribution, and operational networks, which will help grow the new brand. He also claims that HMD Global is the fastest-growing 5G smartphone manufacturer and a leader in sustainability with its repairable devices.
Baril did not disclose any details about the name, design, or launch date of the new HMD-branded phones. However, some recent filings at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) suggest that the brand will use a simple logo with three letters: HMD.
The announcement comes as HMD Global’s licensing deal with Microsoft for using the Nokia brand on mobile devices is set to expire in 2026. It is unclear whether the company will renew the contract or let it lapse. Either way, HMD Global seems to be preparing for a future where it can stand on its own feet without relying on the iconic Nokia name.
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