Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- subscription / səbˈskrɪp ʃən / (n.) – an agreement to pay regularly to use a service or receive products
Example:Claire pays for a monthly subscription to a language-learning app to improve her English.
- activate / ˈæk təˌveɪt / (v.) – to make something start working or be ready to use
Example:I activated alerts on my app so I can get updates about new messages.
- classic / ˈklæs ɪk / (n.) – something that is one of the best of its kind, an excellent example, or popular for a long time
Example:Gamers are excited because the studio just announced a remake of a classic, their favorite game from 20 years ago.
- detox / ˈdiˌtɒks / (n.) – a period of time when someone avoids unhealthy food, drinks, or habits to improve their health
Example:Some people do a digital detox by staying away from phones and social media for a few days.
- innovative / ˈɪn əˌveɪ tɪv / (adj.) – having new, creative, and better ideas than before
Example:Hannah is an innovative designer who introduces fresh and unique fashion trends every season.
Article
Read the text below.
A device aimed at keeping teens safe and two more for football fans—these are the latest offerings from phone maker HMD.
The Finnish manufacturer, famous for making Nokia phones, revealed the details on the opening day of the MWC tech show in Barcelona.
HMD unveiled its first smartphone specifically designed to protect teens. Parents can control the Fusion X1 with a monthly Xplora subscription. They can manage internet and social media access, and even activate “school mode.”
The Xplora service also tracks location every 20 seconds. It includes safe zones, emergency SOS calling, low battery alerts, and remote device access.
“It can’t be deleted out of the device. It doesn’t matter what the kid does, it’s still there. And then it gives parents much deeper layers of control,” explains James Robinson, vice president of family business at HMD.
Two more products from the Finnish company are phones for football fans, or more accurately, fans of one club—Barcelona.
The company is best known for making Nokia phones. And now, it’s bringing back a classic—the Nokia 3210. But this time, it’s in Barcelona Football Club colors. This update includes hidden messages from players, custom wallpapers, and, of course, the mobile game Snake. But now, the game is played on a football pitch.
The device HMD Barça Fusion is a collector’s edition smartphone with signatures from 11 star players. HMD also promises hidden surprises for fans. And you can even wake up to the voice of your favorite player.
“It’s loaded with special content from all the first team players. It also has a detox mode. So you can focus on playing football and not being on a smartphone,” explains Lars Silberbauer, CMO of HMD.
MWC 2025 opened on March 3 and ran until March 6. The tech show began as a showcase for the mobile phone industry but has expanded to cover a range of technology, from established global giants to innovative start-ups.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- HMD has a new phone that aims to keep teens safe and two more made for sports fans. Do you think it’s a smart decision to design a smartphone for specific people, like teens or sports fans? Why or why not? If you could design a phone for a certain group, who would it be for, and what special features would it have? Discuss.
- HMD is bringing back the Nokia 3210 with modern updates. Do you think old technology should be brought back, or is it better to create new things? Why? What is one piece of old technology that you would love to see return? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The new phone for Barcelona fans includes a “detox mode” to help people focus on playing sports. In your opinion, should all phones have this feature? Why or why not? Do you think people in your country need this feature? Why do you say so? Discuss.
- If your phone had a detox mode, what hobbies or habits would you focus on instead? Discuss.
