So, the Fusion was actually introduced to the market about a couple of months back and its prepping for its global release soon.
The last device from the pixelated teaser from early of the year, is probable the most interesting of them all. The concept is not new, with many other companies having tried to explore the road not taken, end up in a dead end. Modular device , at least in theory, is the ultimate answer to solve what the end users want from a device. Instead of purchasing newer devices just to test a new feature, the modular concept allows users to add new hardware functionality to older device. In the past, this is either done through an open platform where end users get to choose the hardware design for the modular half , or stick to what is made available by the manufacturer. Despite the two very different approaches, the end results have been the same, with the modular concept dying off.
So, what is different with the HMD Fusion?
Well, for starters, the toolkit was made public months before the release of the hardware itself, which at this point serves as a reference guide for future , more powerful reiteration, IF, the concept works.
The Fusion device is priced appropriately and offers a modest but capable setup. The combination is crucial for wider adoption of this concept. In most Asian markets, the 8GB/256GB variant is priced much cheaper than those in Europe and other western market.
HMD also introduced the concept of Outfits for the modular part. This includes the Casual Outfits which were available at the time of launch with different color options , including a transparent one that comes bundled in. This Outfit does not add functionality to the device but is simply just a protection case with different color option.
The Smart Outfit is where all the fun is. HMD has a few interesting Outfits to show how the device and its new component changes the phone’s capability seamlessly, through the Smart Pins at the back. From a Game Outfit, Wireless Charging Outfit, Flashy Outfit and Rugged Outfit, each changes the hardware features of your device.
HMD Fusion
The hardware specification of the Fusion was reviewed earlier. Having the Fusion in hand, it does feel quite similar to the Nokia G60 in terms of its sleek ,matte approach. The industrial design stands out with the screws and Smart Pin on the rear with HMD logo in the centre. Its thin, feels solid and matte.
The single bottom firing speaker is loud and features Audio Boost and OZO Audio enhancement which is loud, but lacks depth. The large display had adequate brightness, and while it is not as vibrant as the OLED display on the Skyline, it performs well for its price. The 90Hz refresh rate keeps the animation fluid , and the battery easily lasts a day of moderate use. The 33W charging speed is the same as what the more expensive Skyline offers and you get to juice up the device in a little over an hour with the right charger and cable.
You can catch the unboxing and initial review of the Fusion here with more photo and video samples:
But, the true potential of HMD Fusion lies in the hand of the end users. The toolkit which was made available by HMD earlier, allows end users to design their own Outfit for their own use. Honestly, this is a good approach but I am still quite skeptical how the end users would manufacturer them or write codes for the additional component to integrate. One way to execute this is to standardize the design so future components will have back compatibility , at least for a few cycle. HMD should also have a dedicated side where users who are more affluent in coding, designing can pitch in their design , and maybe, the most voted one would enter into production through some form of crowdfunding campaign .
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