While we have heard loads about the Huawei watch already, and it has already been released in China, Europe saw its first proper look at of the Huawei Watch. With a classic design, this is inspired by Swiss time pieces, and will be on sale this month countries like Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. The price varies according to the model, and is between €399 and €699 for the Elite model (featured above). UK will get it in October, with Japan and UAE, while US will have the chance to pre-order it from today.
Huawei have done well by creating a lot of hype around this watch, and it is almost interesting to know that this is the actual official launch of the product. Powered by Android Wear, it brings you the best of apps as well as the ability to stay connected using WiFi. The idea is simple. Watches have always been a lovely bridge between extreme mechanics and looks. This does the same, giving us a bridge between technology and looks.
Of course, the joy is that using Android Wear, you can even use this with the iPhone!
The Design
The watch is 42mm, which is a classic size for watches, though it is a bit thick in the middle to pack in all the technology, including the heart rate sensor. What makes this one unique is the crown which is located at the 2 o’clock position. Frames come in rose gold, stainless steel and black, as well as watch face designs which cater to all individual needs.
Straps add extra customization, including stainless steel mesh, stainless steel links, rose gold, and black plated stainless steel links, brown and black leather. They are easy to change, and the watch will fit any 18mm width lug interface.
The Display
The watch features a 1.4 inch touch sensitive AMOLED Display, which has been coated in scratch proof sapphire crystal, surrounded by a cold-forged stainless steel frame. The display features a 400 x 400 pixel resolution at 286 ppi, at a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.
Sensors
In addition, the watch also features a heart rate monitor and 6-axis motion sensors.
The Fashion
In keeping with the classic, premium design aesthetic of the watch, Huawei Consumer BG has partnered with the world’s most famous fashion photographer Mario Testino to produce an advertising campaign featuring American supermodel Karlie Kloss and one of the world’s top male models, Sean O’Pry.
Sports
Watches are fast becoming our go-to fitness devices. The Huawei watch is no different, and it accurately measures heart rates, as well as 6-axis motion sensor with gyroscope and accelerometer helps you track your activities. It can even distinguish between walking, running and climbing.
Mr. Benjamin Norton, Wearable Design Expert at the Huawei Consumer BG, said:
“Today, consumers are rarely content with just staying connected; they are looking for a premium smartwatch that is technologically innovative. When designing this watch, we were keen to combine the best in technology and innovation with premium materials and a classic look and feel. With the sapphire crystal and circular watch face, we feel that the Huawei watch has achieved this.”
Mr. Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG, said:
“Huawei is dedicated to continually innovating and creating new products to suit our consumers’ needs. This first smartwatch in our wearables family has been designed following extensive research and demonstrated consumer demand for smart wrist wear. The Huawei watch is unique within the market with its premium look and feel and classic design, combined with superior smart technology, which allows users to stay connected on the go. No doubt, wearable devices will remain one of the most significant trends in the device industry, and by leveraging Huawei’s technology and innovation, Huawei Consumer BG aims to be a leader in the wearable space.”
Detailed Specs:
Display
• 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display
• 0.6mm bezel
• 400 x 400, 286ppi resolution
• Scratch-proof sapphire crystal lens
Dimensions
• 1.4 inch watch face diameter
• 11.3mm thick
Weight
61g with leather strap
96g with stainless steel mesh strap
131g with Stainless steel link strap
Operating System
Android 4.3+
iOS 8.2+ *
Supports OTA updates
Connectivity
• Bluetooth 4.1 BLE
• Maximum10m Bluetooth range
• Wi-Fi
Memory • 512MB RAM + 4GB Flash
Battery
• 300mAh
• 1.5 day (32 hours active, 8 hours asleep)
• 75 minutes charging time
Water resistant IP67
Sensors
• Gyroscope + Accelerometer
• Heart rate sensor (PPG)
• Barometer
Software
Message notifications (calls, texts, emails, SNS, Google Hangout)
Voice interactions
Google Now
Maps
Sports and health
Music playback
Third-party apps from Google Play Store
Watch faces
40 watch faces pre-loaded
Classic, digital or sporty
Straps
Stainless steel mesh, stainless steel link or leather
Compatible with 18mm standard straps
Color
Stainless steel case
Black-plated stainless steel case
Rose gold-plated stainless steel case
*Supported features may vary between Android and iOS.