AirPods continue to rule the roost when it comes to wireless earbuds, but one tech firm is hoping its latest mini music makers can grab some Apple’s attention. HMD Global, which is famed for making smartphones—including some Nokia models—has just revealed its latest ideas at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, and one of its new devices offers a surprisingly good upgrade.
They are called the HMD Amped Buds, and they do more than just pump music into your ears. Tucked inside the case is a huge 1600mAh battery that not only refills the buds when popped inside but also offers clever reverse wireless charging for phones.
That means you can snap it to the back of your Android or iPhone device and get an instant power boost if the battery is running low. It won’t refill a phone completely, but it should add enough juice to help end the night without the screen going blank.
It’s a neat idea, and that’s not all, as they also feature impressive audio with Active Noise Cancellation, crystal-clear calls and a comfortable, hinge design that’s colour-matched to the charging case.
There’s no word on a release date or price just yet, but hopefully, more news will be announced soon.
Along with those buds, HMD has also confirmed a number of other new devices, including one aimed at children. The new HMD Fusion X1 has been created to help kids cope with the demands of modern life and stop them from accessing harmful apps and content.
This device gives parents full control over their teen’s smartphone experience and can stop them from using certain apps, limit phone time and block access to the web.
It also includes continuous location tracking with safe zones, emergency SOS calling, low battery alerts, and remote device access for parents.
There’s even a School Mode function that ensures distractions are minimised during learning hours by locking specific apps and features. HMD says All of these settings can be managed remotely through the Xplora app, on the parents’ own device, enabling them to adjust controls in real-time based on their teen’s needs and environment. There will be a subscription fee to get all of the functions but it could be worth it if parents are worried by their kids’ phone access.
