IFA 2019 was not as big as we expected, but the technology show was attended by the big names in the industry. Huawei, for instance, made a couple of exciting announcements to solidify its stand in the space, bearing in mind it has been receiving some negative press for issues that are yet to be substantiated – and have grown so much it is likely the Mate 30 series will ship without Google services. We have covered nearly all aspects of the mess the Chinese corporation is battling, but this is not about it. Here are some interesting announcements from IFA, and what Huawei released to the masses…
Audio
Huawei announced the world’s first BT 5.1 and BLE 5.1 wearable chip in Berlin. Named the Kirin A1, the chip supports True Wireless Stereo for headsets and wearable. The BT/BLE dual-mode technology will be certified by Bluetooth 5.1 standard. It included features such as powerful audio processing and ultra-low power consumption for stable connections.
The technology will play a vital role in the deployment of IoT devices that continue to see broader applications in homes and workplaces. Huawei’s LiteOS, which it developed back in 2012, will be leveraged in making IoT-based devices smart – and has previously been used in the corporation’s wearable devices, smart home appliances, and urban public services, to mention a few.
LiteOS is also packaged in Huawei Freebuds 3, which ape Apple’s Airpods in design and technology. Other companies such as Samsung have also released similar products to tap into the growing wireless audio market that was stirred when phone makers dropped the 3.5 mm audio socket.
Huawei will also start distributing the FreeLace, a neck-worn Bluetooth headset. There are smart sunglasses in the pipeline too that have been developed in collaboration with Gentle Monster.
“Guided by the full-scenario AI life strategy, Huawei’s consumer business has integrated chip, OS, and terminal products end-to-end through continuous technological innovation, creating a twenty-four-hour high-quality audio experience for consumers. Huawei’s five major audio product categories, taking wireless Bluetooth headsets as the hero product, inherit Huawei’s leading edge in connectivity and bring a seamless full-scenario AI life experience to consumers,” reads a statement from the communications equipment maker.
The New Huawei P30 Pro
This is the same as the ordinary and popular P30 Pro, but with a different colour (Mystic Blue and Misty Lavender) and some camera improvements, including video editing functions. The device will be available by September 20 for purchase, and will also ship with Android 10.
During the announcement of the devices, Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG revealed that the past six months saw the P30 series sell more than 16.5 million units.
5G Chip, the Kirin 990
Huawei touts the chipsets as the world’s first flagship 5G SoC, which, for the most part, makes sense considering Qualcomm does not have an existing chipset with embedded 5G capabilities.
5G is massively better than 4G in terms of raw speed, although the world will truly appreciate its offerings a few years from now, say 2025.
The Mate 30 series that will be announced this month will rock the Kirin 990. We expect the device to push the AI narrative to greater heights, bring flagship-grade competition to Qualcomm and Apple’s line of chips that will power the iPhone 11, as well as an even better photography experience than we saw in the P30 Pro.
Wi-Fi Q2 Pro
Huawei is a communications equipment maker, hence the release of the Wi-Fi Q2 Pro that will see faster data transfers and low latency. The technology is creating a foundation for the extended deployment of services such as 200 Mbps broadband and faster fibre-optic broadband.
“The HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro can be plugged in in areas with a weak signal for full coverage in even a spacious, multi-story home. The combination of dual-band auto-selection, seamless roaming, and automatic channel optimization aims to equip Q2 Pro users with a smart Wi-Fi experience that covers every nook and cranny in any household,” reads a statement from Huawei.
