The device has many of the features you would expect from a smartphone including the ability to capture images and videos, make calls and send text messages. However it is aimed at children and teens, with a strong focus on online safety.
The Fuze is positioned by HMD as ‘the phone that grows with your kids’. At first use, the device has no apps available to the child. Parents can allow their child to have access to Google Play and when the child installs an app, it will be hidden by default until approved by the parent.
The Fuze comes with built-in parental controls, which are managed by parents from the HarmBlock+ app on their Android or iOS device. This will enable parents to manage what a child can do and see with the device. For example, parents can manually approve or deny a child’s request to add a new app or a contact. Contact whitelisting means users can only call and text with pre-approved contacts. Messaging with pre-approved contacts can be restricted to pre-written phrases. Parents can also activate screen time limits, track their location in real-time and monitor their child’s activity.
The Fuse uses HarmBlock+ AI technology, which is said to automatically filter and block explicit content across apps, images, and the browser, providing a safer digital experience while the child gradually gains more independence.
