Huawei Announced New Hybrid Talkband At MWC

The Chinese electronics giant, Huawei, has unveiled numerous new and interesting products: including, what they call, the “world’s first hybrid smart band”. The technology firm has also re-energized its smartphone line-up with the release of the Ascend G6 and also they have announced two new “phablets”, which they are hoping will challenge Apple’s iPad Mini.

The company has not yet given any information regarding the pricing structure for the Ascend G6 smartphone, but analysts are predicting it could go on sale for less than $200 (£120). Huawei claims to have made this smartphone which allows people to take “more beautiful” ‘selfies’.

Shao Yang, a Huawei executive, informed the BBC that the company had spent the past four years “catching up with the industry,” but now it was time to become “number one.” The company has said that the Key to this would be making developments in wearable technology.

Enter the Talkband! A black bracelet device that is similar to Nike’s Fuel Band product.  It comes with a detachable headset, that can be used to make and receive calls, as well as monitoring the state of the user’s fitness.

Carolina Milanesi, Analyst, told the BBC that while Huawei’s smartband may not be as sophisticated as other, more costly offerings, its price may tempt people who have so far been uncertain of paying for wearable technology.  “They’re giving you something that isn’t as smart [as others], but is smart enough, for 99 euros, why not?…Huawei is not just jumping on the bandwagon – they’re trying to think a little bit differently,” she said.

The smartband market is one that is increasing rapidly. Market research firm Canalys has estimated that 17 million smart watches and fitness trackers will be sold in 2014. By the year 2017, that number is predicted to escalate to more than 45 million. Analysts have said the company will be pricing their devices aggressively and this shows with their Talkband device.  The device will cost 99 euros (£82, $136), the company has said.

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[Image via themalaymailonline]

SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26316266