HMD introduces new flip phone built with AI companion for seniors

A new mobile device aimed at older adults combines a traditional clamshell layout with built-in artificial intelligence. The HMD 2660 Flip Senior Edition features an AI companion named Mary, developed alongside inTouch, to offer conversation and engagement without requiring users to handle complex smartphone menus. ## Features And Hardware The handset includes large physical buttons, a spacious display, and a straightforward menu system designed to remove the difficulty often found in modern devices. Users can answer or disconnect calls simply by opening and closing the device. The hardware carries an IP54 rating, meaning it offers protection against limited dust and water splashes, though HMD warns this resistance drops over time with normal wear.

The AI Companion

Mary operates twenty-four hours a day, allowing seniors to discuss topics like nature and history, listen to stories, ask questions, or play memory games. The system speaks at a slower pace to give users time to reply and remembers past discussions to keep chats personal. Owners can access the assistant directly from the main menu without needing to download extra software or recall passwords. ## Pricing And Limits The device comes with a five-hour trial for the inTouch service. Following that period, users can choose to pay a monthly subscription fee of nineteen euros and ninety cents, or they can continue using the handset as a standard phone without the AI feature if they do not wish to subscribe. HMD notes that conversations remain encrypted, but reminds buyers that the technology is meant for engagement and does not replace human family contact or professional medical care.

Context

Technology companies increasingly explore ways to make digital tools more accessible for aging populations who may find modern touchscreen devices difficult to manage. Clamshell phones remain popular among older demographics because physical buttons and familiar calling actions provide a reliable alternative to smartphones.