Huawei announces unified HarmonyOS across product segments, with five new products (watch, tablet, monitors)
Huawei has officially launched HarmonyOS across its whole market of products, from smartphones and accessories, to future compatible IoT products it hopes to see released from third-parties.
Although details on the OS itself were very light, the five new products were very real – and in China, Huawei has also hinted at the forthcoming release of the Huawei P50 series smartphones – all of which will get HarmonyOS out-of-the-box.
Meanwhile, users of existing Huawei phones going back some time should also see their devices switching over in the coming months.
But, at yesterday’s event, the focus wasn’t on the OS – which I am sure we’ll learn a lot more about over the coming weeks and months – but new products that included two new smartwatches, a new tablet, a new audio product, and two high-end monitors for creators and gamers respectively.
See the products for yourself!
You will be able to see the new products for yourself this Friday (June 4th) at Huawei’s flagship store at Westfield Stratford.
Press Releases
London – 2nd June 2021 Huawei has launched a range of smart watches and tablets, powered by its new HarmonyOS 2 operating system today, including a new version the HUAWEI WATCH 3 Series, and the HUAWEI MatePad Pro.
Huawei has also released the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4, its next-generation open-fit Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) wireless Bluetooth earbuds, and two high-end monitors, the HUAWEI MateView and the HUAWEI MateView GT. The company took this opportunity to announce that roughly 100 other Huawei products will be upgraded to run on HarmonyOS 2, giving consumers access to a seamless intelligent experience across multiple devices in all different types of scenarios.
There are more smart devices in our lives than ever, but the experience they provide isn’t always smart. Siloed systems tend to complicate interconnectivity and operations, which have ultimately led to a fragmented user experience.
HarmonyOS is designed to address this problem. As a next-generation operating system for smart devices, HarmonyOS provides a common language for different kinds of devices to connect and collaborate, providing users with a more convenient, smooth, and secure experience. It uses distributed technology to meet the varied needs of all types of different devices with a single system, enabling flexible deployment as needed. HarmonyOS also combines previously independent devices into a cohesive and holistic Super Device, that integrates all hardware and resources to freely leverage the capabilities of its component devices based on the user’s real-time needs. For developers, HarmonyOS allows cross-platform development and cross-device deployment of apps, making the development of apps across devices easier than ever before.
HUAWEI Watch 3 Series: Feel Better Connected
Huawei’s brand-new flagship smart watch, the HUAWEI Watch 3 Series, redefines fashion on your wrist. Featuring a curved glass screen and 316L stainless steel case, this stylish watch comes complete with a brand-new 3D rotating crown that senses different levels of pressure and provides haptic feedback in response to user input, making the watch both comfortable to wear and easy to operate.
Continuous Health Monitoring
The HUAWEI WATCH 3 Series also serves as a professional fitness & health manager, that supports more than 100 workout modes. In addition to a broad range of healthcare support options, the watch can now monitor skin temperature with a new, high-precision temperature sensor. It also supports fall detection and SOS functions so users can monitor and manage their health in real time.
Up to 21-Day Battery
The HUAWEI WATCH 3 Pro features an ultra-long battery life, which lasts five days in smart mode and 21 days in ultra-long battery life mode. The HUAWEI WATCH 3, in turn, has a battery life of three days in smart mode and 14 days in ultra-long battery life mode.
Independent Calling
The HUAWEI WATCH 3 Series also allows you to make and receive phone calls and listen to music using the same phone number and data plan as your smartphone.
UK Pricing and Availability
The HUAWEI Watch 3 comes in Active, Classic and Elite Edition and the HUAWEI Watch 3 Pro comes in Classic and Elite Edition.
HUAWEI Watch 3 will launch from 18th June (starting from RRP: £349.99) from the Huawei Store and selected retailers. Customers will also be able to reserve their device from the Huawei Store from 2nd June to 17th June. Customers who reserve their device with a £20 deposit will be able to purchase the Watch 3 from launch day, with an additional £20 off, plus a free pair of HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro (via redemption).
HUAWEI Watch 3 Pro will launch from 28th June (starting from RRP £499.99) from the Huawei Store and selected retailers. Customers will also be able to reserve their device from the Huawei Store from 2nd June to 27th June. Customers who reserve their device with a £50 deposit will be able to purchase the Watch 3 Pro from launch day with an additional £50 off, plus a free pair of HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro (via redemption).
HUAWEI MatePad Pro: A new productivity hub that breaks through boundaries for maximum creativity
The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro features a stunning 12.6-inch OLED FullView Display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio, the highest among all tablets currently available on the market. Every display comes with a ΔE color difference of less than 0.5 for incredibly high color accuracy, delivering a crisp, color-accurate picture that is on par with professional monitors. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro also has an ultra-high contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and supports a DCI-P3 color gamut.
Equipped with Kirin 9000 series chipsets, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro delivers incredible levels of performance. Supported by the distributed data management and task scheduling capabilities of HarmonyOS, the tablet can work together seamlessly with smartphones and PCs to double your productivity and creativity in different scenarios, whether you’re in the office or at the drawing board.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro also supports Multi-screen Collaboration with PCs. The tablet can become a drawing board in Mirror mode and a monitor in Extend mode. It also supports cross-device file dragging and dropping, delivering a more efficient and collaborative multi-device experience.
The second-generation HUAWEI M-Pencil was unveiled together with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro. The new smart pen features a new platinum-coated nib for high-precision handwriting and ultra-low latency, accurately differentiating between 4,096 levels of force. The HUAWEI M-Pencil supports FreeScript, which converts handwriting in any input box into digital text in real time. In addition, intelligent interactions such as double-tap to switch, Instant Shape, and Instant Table make handwritten input more seamless and natural to fit your unique workflow.
An entirely new interactive experience: Easier to use and smarter than ever
Multi-device interaction with HarmonyOS makes working across multiple devices as simple as controlling one. The new Control Panel supports simple and intuitive connections through a drag-and-integrate feature that allows users to freely connect the devices they want based on specific scenarios.
For example, if you want to watch a movie at home late at night, all you have to do is open up the Control Panel and drag the smart screen icon to your phone icon, and the movie jumps directly from your phone to the TV. If you’re wearing your HUAWEI FreeBuds 4, you can then drag the earphone icon to the phone icon, at which point the movie will play on your smart screen while rerouting its sound through your FreeBuds. This is just one example of the Super Device experience.
HarmonyOS 2’s new Task Center allows apps to travel between different devices at will, without installing them on each and every one, so that all functions and services are available whenever and wherever they’re needed. On any device that’s part of a Super Device system, you can see the tasks running on all other devices. If you want a bigger display for mobile gaming, you can simply swipe up and hover to bring up the Overview Screen, and then transfer the game to your HUAWEI MatePad Pro to continue the fun.
The new HarmonyOS Home Screen is more streamlined and organized than ever. You can swipe up on apps to generate Service Widgets that display real-time, easy-to-access information or services without having to open the app itself. You can customize the size of the Service Widgets, tap apps and swipe up to display their widgets, and tap any vacant location on the home screen to hide them. Service Widgets can also be used to access Atomic Services, which can be easily called on and shared in the Service Center without the need to download or install anything, making it easier and more convenient to access functions like news aggregation.
In terms of look-and-feel, the beauty of innovative interaction lies in the aesthetic details: The specially designed HarmonyOS Sans font and natural Gravitational Animations, offer a consistent user experience across all HarmonyOS devices.
HUAWEI HiLink has been upgraded to HarmonyOS Connect to equip more non-Huawei devices with smart features. Smart home devices can be connected to your mobile phone with a single tap
Comprehensive performance gains for more privacy and security
HarmonyOS 2 runs even more smoothly than the last generation of EMUI. A HarmonyOS 2 phone can maintain read/write speeds similar to those of a new phone after 36 months of use, even with very little storage still available on the device.
HarmonyOS 2 keeps opened apps running in the background so that your tasks are always available where you left off. You can return to the last action or page on a given app even if you have dozens of other apps open. For example, if you were on a shopping app looking at a product, then you switched to another app to send your friend a message, and then opened up your browser to search for something else, you can now return to the last page you were browsing on your shopping app without a hitch. What’s more, you can enjoy a longer battery life with a HarmonyOS 2-based device. After upgrading to HarmonyOS 2, the HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro can run Game for Peace for 5.1 hours straight.
Huawei is committed to protecting user privacy and security. HarmonyOS inherits and further builds on the leading privacy and security technologies found in EMUI. Our core design principle is to ensure that only the right person can access the right data with the right device, ensuring the security of each access to each device, as well as the security of each act of storing, transmitting, and using data across all scenarios. When multi-device collaborative identity authentication is activated, users can only unlock their phones with a combination of facial recognition on their smartphone and a special check that ensures that the user’s watch is the one that’s connected to the phone.
In addition, HarmonyOS manages user data by category and protects devices by level, setting specific security thresholds for Super Devices. Only devices that meet strict security requirements can access data corresponding to their security level, making sure that users can make use of Multi-device Collaboration features with true peace of mind. HarmonyOS apps go through rigorous testing throughout development, release, installation, and use to ensure they deliver a secure experience in a clean ecosystem.
“We are surrounded by more and more smart devices these days, and are now in a world where all things are connected,” said Richard Yu, Executive Director and CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group. “Every single one of us is a part of this fully connected world, as is every device. We look forward to working with more partners and developers to build a thriving HarmonyOS ecosystem and provide even better experiences, products, and services to our customers the world over.”
Huawei announces HUAWEI MateView, the first Huawei flagship standalone monitor
London, UK – 2nd June 2021 – Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) announced the launch of HUAWEI MateView, the first flagship standalone monitor from the company. Carrying the “Mate” moniker, the all-new monitor embodies Huawei’s spirit of innovation, and with its launch, Huawei breaks into a new market, bringing the same fervour for pushing the envelope as it did with its smartphone business. As a beautifully minimalist Wireless Real Colour Monitor that supports a wide range of smart features, HUAWEI MateView is set to redefine the category for the next generation of smart monitors.
Large 4K+ Ultra-HD monitor that faithfully reproduces real-to-life colours
HUAWEI MateView is a pro-grade standalone monitor featuring a 28.2-inch 3:2 panel that supports a native resolution of 3840 × 2560, delivering a premium viewing experience where even the most minute detail is faithfully reproduced on screen. Each monitor is also professionally calibrated in the factory to accurately produce colours, achieving a colour accuracy rating of ΔE <1 in sRGB mode and ΔE <2 in DCI-P3 mode. HUAWEI MateView is VESA DisplayHDR™ 400 certified, meaning that users will have no problem discerning details hidden in darker areas on a displayed image. Users will love the incredible breadth of colours on display, with HUAWEI MateView supporting 98 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and 100 percent of the sRGB colour gamut.
Furthermore, similar to many notebooks in the HUAWEI MateBook family, HUWAEI MateView has received TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker Free certifications, attesting to its ability to effectively filter harmful light emissions and alleviate potential eye fatigue caused by screen flickers.
Wired and wireless connectivity options offering maximum flexibility
Leveraging Huawei’s telecommunications expertise, HUAWEI MateView not only supports cable connections, but also lets users connect their mobile phone, notebook and tablet to the monitor wirelessly. HUAWEI MateView not only supports smartphone OneHop Projection, but it also allows users to initiate Desktop Mode wirelessly. With this mode, users can fully harness the computing power of their smartphones and enjoy the ultimate productivity experience on the large screen.
Behind the monitor, users have access to a versatile range of ports for every office use case, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one Mini DisplayPort and one 3.5mm audio jack.
Mice and keyboards connected to HUAWEI MateView can be used as input and navigation peripherals for connected devices such as notebooks and smartphones, allowing users to flexibly switch between multiple devices without having to re-plug all their peripherals – all they need to do is plug a new device into the HUAWEI MateView via the USB-C port.
Minimalist aesthetics that accents any decor
Inspired by the compositions of renowned painter Wassily Kandinsky and the concept of Futurism, HUAWEI MateView abandons the bulky back plates seen on traditional monitors, and instead features a geometric design and introduces an innovative magnetic back panel for a minimalist look that is brimming with subtle details. In the front, HUAWEI MateView offers a 94 percent screen-to-body ratio to provide users with a highly immersive viewing experience.
In addition, HUAWEI MateView debuts with the first-ever integrated height-adjustable mount. The mainboard of the monitor is separated from the panel by design, allowing users to adjust the height and tilt to their preferences easily and elegantly with a single finger. This showcase of precise engineering results in a monitor that can seamlessly and beautifully complement any desk space.
Unique HUAWEI Smart Bar delivers a new UI control experience
Unlike traditional monitors that come with an unintuitive on-screen display (OSD) settings menu, HUAWEI MateView introduces a cleverly hidden HUAWEI Smart Bar that offers a user-friendly touch interface for users to easily adjust various display settings, such as input source and volume.
Dual-speaker and dual-microphone sound system
Two high-powered front-firing speakers are embedded into the stand, delivering specular sounds while minimising any quality loss from reflection.
Also integrated into the stand are two microphones, supporting built-in noise reduction algorithms and sound pickup from sources that are up to four metres away. With HUAWEI MateView, users can make sure that they are always heard on a call – whether they’re calling from home or the office.
The HUAWEI MateView (RRP £599) will launch in the UK in the coming months and be available on the Huawei Store and selected retailers. Further details will be shared at a later date.
Introducing the HUAWEI MateView GT: Huawei’s first gaming desktop monitor
London – 2nd June 2021 – Today, Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) announced the launch of the HUAWEI MateView Series, including the HUAWEI MateView and HUAWEI MateView GT. This not only serves as the first monitor line-up added to Huawei Consumer BG’s product portfolio, but also an extension of the signature qualities of the HUAWEI Mate Series, displaying cutting-edge technology, great reliability and outstanding quality.
Introduced as part of a brand-new product category, the HUAWEI MateView GT features a curved ultrawide display that supports a refresh rate of 165Hz, with an innovative integrated SoundBar. With the HUAWEI MateView GT, Huawei is dedicated to offering consumers an even more powerful and efficient monitor, taking the gaming and entertainment experience to a new level.
Curved ultrawide display for immersive viewing
The HUAWEI MateView GT is Huawei’s first curved monitor. The curved 21:9, 34-inch display supports a resolution of 3440×1440. It is designed to maximise gaming performance and create an immersive entertainment experience for players.
In terms of colour performance, the HUAWEI MateView GT boosts colour accuracy for games and video editing as it supports DCI-P3 colour space. Each single panel is professionally calibrated to have Delta E value of <2. Furthermore, the HUAWEI MateView GT supports a peak brightness of 350 nits and a contrast ratio of 4000:1, as well as HDR 10 to make the content more realistic.
Smooth visuals with a class-leading refresh rate
Huawei understands that a high refresh rate is essential for any gaming display. With support for a refresh rate of 165Hz, the HUAWEI MateView GT further unleashes the graphic processing capabilities of the connected device. This not only ensures smoother and clearer visuals for the user, for a more comfortable viewing experience.
For gaming scenarios, the HUAWEI MateView GT comes with a Dark Field Control feature. By adjusting the display brightness in low-light and overexposed scenes, it can help players to spot opponents quickly. In addition, the display incorporates a Crosshairs feature that is specifically designed for FPS games. Even when the game scope is off, the HUAWEI MateView GT will provide a scope for players and help them to easily aim and shoot.
As Huawei’s first display, the HUAWEI MateView GT delivers excellent performance for both gaming and entertainment. It also comes with many subtle yet powerful features. Under its bottom bezel is a five-way joystick. Together with the sophisticatedly designed On Screen Display (OSD) menu, the HUAWEI MateView GT makes monitor interaction easier than ever. It has also passed the TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification and supports DC dimming, which effectively reduces blue light and flicker, which can be harmful to eyes.
Integrated SoundBar
The innovative SoundBar on the HUAWEI MateView GT meticulously combines the speaker and bracket into one. It includes two speakers supporting 2.0 stereo sound. Whether for games or videos, users can immerse themselves in stunning surround-sound. The RGB touch panel on the SoundBar not only offers a customisable lighting effect, but also allows users to easily adjust the volume with one finger. It perfectly combines aesthetics and usability, creating an enjoyable desktop experience for users.
For expandability, the HUAWEI MateView GT also comes with a wide range of ports, including a 3.5mm audio jack for headphone and microphone, two HDMI 2.0 display ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, a USB Type C for charging, and a full-featured Type-C port that is unique in its class. Combined, these ports can fulfil users’ various needs for expansion.
The HUAWEI MateView GT (RRP £499) will launch in the UK in the coming months. Further details will be shared at a later date.
Huawei launches new TWS Bluetooth earbuds HUAWEI FreeBuds 4, leading the way in open-fit active noise cancellation
London – 2nd June 2021 – Huawei has launched its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Bluetooth earbuds, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4. This new addition to Huawei’s numeric series of TWS earbuds, inherits the world’s first open-fit active noise cancellation (ANC) technology from the previous generation. With open-fit ANC 2.0 technology, lightweight comfort, high resolution sound quality and intelligent audio connectivity, HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 delivers not only on audio quality, but takes the open-fit ANC listening experience to a whole new level.
A new benchmark for comfortable open-fit ANC and tranquil audio experienceIn 2019, Huawei introduced the world’s first open-fit ANC TWS earbuds, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 3, finally allowing consumers to enjoy the comfort of an open-fit wearing style, while also benefitting from the immersive ANC sound quality. After nearly two years of continuous R&D investment and accumulation of technical expertise, HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 has been launched, equipped with newly upgraded Open-fit ANC 2.0 technology which has improved noise cancellation at the hardware and software level, taking open-fit, comfortable noise cancellation to new levels.
The new HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 features dual-microphone noise cancellation technology to deliver upgraded noise cancellation performance. It is the industry’s first set of open-fit earbuds to use dual-microphone noise cancellation technology, which ensures that the microphones pick up ambient noise with far greater accuracy, reaching industry-leading levels.
To enhance noise cancellation effectively across different wearing scenarios, HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 uses Adaptive Ear Matching (AEM) noise cancellation technology and are the first open-fit earbuds in the industry to do so. When noise cancellation is switched on, the earbuds automatically detect the user’s ear shape and determine the optimum noise cancellation setup for each user, resulting in the most comfortable noise cancellation experience.Up to 40kHz frequency response for more immersive listening
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 use a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) composite diaphragm, which supports a frequency range of up to 40kHz, delivering high resolution sound quality. With no major quality loss, the treble part sounds richer and fuller.
What’s more, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 is equipped with a 14.3mm dynamic driver, producing greater and more impressive bass sounds.
In terms of bass performance, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 adopts a newly upgraded bass enhancement engine, bass tube and motherboard to form an independently sealed sound cavity. Compared to FreeBuds 3, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 dramatically enhances the airtightness and acoustic pressure, and the volume of the bass tube is increased by 15%, which provides intensified resonance effect from the air and diaphragm.HUAWEI FreeBuds 4, feature Adaptive Ear Matching (AEM) technology in open-fit earphones for the first time. By automatically detecting user’s ear shape and wearing condition, HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 can intelligently optimise the audio effect, allowing users to have consistent and high resolution audio quality, regardless of the wearing situation.
When ANC is turned off, HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 offer 4 hours of continuous music playback. Together with the charging case, it can achieve 22 hours of music playback. If the ANC is turned on, it can offer 2.5 hours of continuous music playback. Moreover, the industry-leading quick charge technology provides 2.5 hours of audio enjoyment from a 15-minute charge, so users do not need to worry about the battery level when they are out and about.
“Breathable” build: Ultimate wearing comfort packed in a sophisticated, lightweight design
Wearing comfort is the key to ensuring an optimal user experience. Compared with its predecessor HUAWEI FreeBuds 3, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 is revamped with 13 size optimisations, further reducing its body size for less weight – 4.1g per earbud. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 also brings three enhancements to its overall curvature for a better fit. The string of optimisations not only enables a more pleasant wearing experience and increased rigidity, but it also allows for strengthened ANC performance of the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4.
The charging case of the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 is just 21.2mm while weighing only 38g, which is 6.3% smaller and 20.8% lighter than its predecessor. It adopts a symmetrically round design along with refined craftsmanship, exhibiting a simplistic yet sophisticated feel overall. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 come in colourways including Ceramic White and Silver Frost.Smart audio connectivity
Leveraging Huawei’s all-scenario device ecosystem and accumulated expertise in wireless connectivity, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4, bring various connection features, including proximity pairing, pairing via cloud information sharing, dual device connection and Audio Connectivity Centre. The earbuds can be connected to any EMUI based devices, from Huawei smartphones to tablets and Huawei PCs, delivering a truly seamless audio connectivity experience to consumers and ushering in an interconnection era.
Dual device connection is supported with HUAWEI FreeBuds 4. Whether it is a Huawei smartphone, tablet, PC, smartwatch or smart display, or any other smart devices running Android, iOS or Windows, any two devices can be connected to the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 simultaneously. This lets users enjoy their favourite music or show without missing any calls. When a call comes in, the music or show will be paused and seamlessly switched to the call.
The Audio Connectivity Centre within HUAWEI AI Life, gives a snapshot of ten recently connected devices, where users can flexibly switch devices with a simple tap.
As an important device in Huawei’s Seamless AI Life strategy, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 come with comprehensive improvements over its predecessor in terms of noise cancellation, wearing experience, audio quality and connectivity. Not only does it represent Huawei’s leading audio strength in the TWS sector, but it also showcases Huawei’s thoughtful strategy in delivering Seamless AI Life experience. In the future, Huawei will continue to make breakthroughs in seamless connectivity and intelligent audio experience, bringing even more exciting audio products to consumers worldwide.
UK Pricing and Availability
HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 (wired charging edition, RRP: £129.99) will launch on 21st June from the Huawei Store and selected retailers. Customers will also be able to reserve their headphones from the Huawei Store from 2nd June to 20th June. Customers who reserve their headphones with a £10 deposit will be able to purchase the FreeBuds 4 from launch day with an additional £10 off, plus a HUAWEI Band 4 Pro. The wireless charging edition of HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 (RRP: £149.99) will launch Mid-July.