Even feature phones can’t escape AI — here’s HMD’s plan to bring more smartphone features to their most basic devices

Here’s the viral, detailed rewrite of the HMD AI feature phone news in English:

HMD’s Bold Move: AI Chatbots Are Coming to Feature Phones – Even Grandma’s Getting a Digital Makeover!

In a shocking twist at MWC 2026, HMD Global (the brains behind Nokia and its own device lineup) just dropped a bombshell that’s got the tech world buzzing: they’re bringing artificial intelligence to feature phones. Yes, you read that right – those “dumbphones” your grandparents still cling to are about to get a serious brain upgrade.

Let’s break down this game-changing announcement that’s got everyone from Silicon Valley to your local retirement home talking.

The Digital Wallet Revolution Hits Feature Phones First
HMD’s kicking things off in India with a digital wallet feature that’s about to change everything for feature phone users. We’re talking instant, secure money transfers between contacts – perfect for that cousin who refuses to get a smartphone but still needs to send money back home. The company’s positioning this as a lifeline for the unbanked and underbanked, targeting millions who’ve been left behind in the mobile payment revolution.

Video Calling Comes to the “Dumbphone” Era
Hold onto your hats, because feature phones are about to make video calls a reality. Using the front camera (yes, they have those now), users can make video calls through the Xpress Chat app. But here’s the catch – both parties need to be using the app. Still, imagine your tech-challenged aunt finally being able to see her grandkids’ faces without having to navigate WhatsApp or Zoom. Game changer? Absolutely.

The AI Assistant That’s Got Everyone Talking
Now, this is where things get really interesting. HMD’s rolling out an AI assistant that can handle everything from making calls to setting alarms – basic stuff, right? But then they drop the bombshell: users can access and change settings with voice commands. For many feature phone users, this will be their first taste of AI interaction. It’s like giving a caveman a smartphone and watching their mind explode.

The Controversial AI Companion Feature
Here’s where the internet’s having a collective “wait, what?” moment. HMD’s partnered with inTouch to trial AI call services for seniors, essentially offering built-in companionship through AI. While the company’s pitching this as a solution for social isolation among older adults, critics are raising eyebrows. Can an AI really replace human connection? The company’s calling it a pilot program, which suggests they’re treading carefully into potentially controversial territory.

Why This Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t just about adding bells and whistles to old technology. HMD’s move represents a fundamental shift in how we think about digital inclusion. With billions of people still using feature phones globally, this could be the bridge that finally connects the unconnected to the AI revolution.

The Bigger Picture at MWC 2026
While everyone else at the Fira conference center is obsessing over the latest flagship smartphones, HMD’s playing a different game entirely. They’re democratizing AI access, and the implications are huge. This could be the moment when feature phones stop being “dumb” and start being genuinely smart.

What’s Next?
HMD’s rolling out these features throughout 2026, starting with India and expanding to other markets. The company’s betting big that there’s a massive untapped market for AI-enhanced feature phones, and based on early reactions, they might be onto something.

This story is developing rapidly, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these features roll out and what impact they have on the billions of feature phone users worldwide. One thing’s for sure – the feature phone just got a whole lot more interesting.

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