Tag: honor

  • Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Teardown: Dual M.2 SSDs & Big Battery

    Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Teardown: Dual M.2 SSDs & Big Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Honor is set to launch a smaller version of the MagicBook Pro 16, a 14-inch model.
    2. The design will likely feature a white chassis, and the numeric keypad has been removed for space.
    3. The laptop will have two M.2 SSD slots for expandable storage, but RAM is not upgradeable.
    4. It will include two fans and a large heatsink, suggesting efficient cooling without a dedicated GPU.
    5. No information is yet available on pricing and availability for the MagicBook Pro 14.

    After the impressive performance of the MagicBook Pro 16 (2024) in our detailed review, which highlighted its excellent battery life and bright PWM-free IPS display, it seems that Honor is getting ready to unveil a smaller version of the laptop. The vice president of Honor China shared some images on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform.

    Design Features

    One of the images reveals a glimpse of the chassis, indicating that the 14-inch model might come in white, just like the larger version. Interestingly, the numeric keypad has been entirely removed, probably due to limited space. On the right side, there are also two USB-A ports visible. Another image shows a look inside the laptop. Since this device is an older prototype from several months ago, some specifications may have changed since then. The battery appears to have a notably high capacity, but Honor has hidden additional details behind a “Dragon Ball” sticker.

    Storage and Memory

    It’s confirmed that the laptop will include two M.2 SSD slots, which will let users add extra storage after their purchase. On the other hand, the memory is not upgradeable since the RAM chips seem to be soldered directly to the motherboard. Honor has also outfitted the MagicBook Pro 14 with two fans and a large heatsink. The design implies that the laptop might not have a dedicated GPU, but it could still deliver decent gaming performance with a processor like the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. However, based on the shape of the chip seen in the image, it is more likely that the laptop will use a modern Intel processor. As of now, there are no updates regarding the pricing and availability of the MagicBook Pro 14.

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    Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Teardown: Dual M.2 SSDs & Big BatteryHonor MagicBook Pro 14 Teardown: Dual M.2 SSDs & Big Battery
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  • Honor to Present Alpha Plan at MWC 2025 Focusing on AI

    Honor to Present Alpha Plan at MWC 2025 Focusing on AI

    Key Takeaways

    1. Honor is set to unveil the “Honor Alpha Plan” at Mobile World Congress 2025, focusing on AI advancements and ecosystem expansion.
    2. The Alpha Plan emphasizes leadership and market supremacy in AI-driven consumer technology, though specific details about products remain unclear.
    3. Honor aims to create an open and collaborative AI ecosystem, indicating a shift beyond smartphones to include wearables and smart home devices.
    4. There are no announcements for new flagship smartphones, suggesting a focus on AI features and software at the upcoming event.
    5. The keynote event will take place on March 2, 2025, in Barcelona, with Honor also showcasing products at their stand during MWC.

    Honor is preparing for the Mobile World Congress 2025, and they’re not just introducing a new gadget. The firm has scheduled its keynote event for March 2 in Barcelona, where it plans to reveal the “Honor Alpha Plan,” a comprehensive corporate strategy focusing on AI advancements and expanding its ecosystem.

    Vague Details Ahead

    Even with the bold branding, specifics are still unclear. Honor refers to “Alpha” as a representation of leadership, top performance, and market supremacy. They believe they will play a crucial role in the AI-led future of consumer technology. Honor states that this plan shows their dedication to pushing the limits in artificial intelligence, yet it’s uncertain what this will mean regarding actual products.

    Focusing on AI, Not Phones

    Honor has consistently highlighted AI in its recent product launches, and the Alpha Plan appears to enhance that approach. The brand aims to position itself as a leading force in AI-driven consumer electronics, aspiring to create an “open and collaborative AI ecosystem” with international partners. This hints at a venture beyond just smartphones, likely extending into wearables, smart home devices, and other IoT products.

    No Flagship Phones in Sight

    However, one glaring omission from Honor’s announcement is any reference to new flagship smartphones. Typically, major smartphone releases get more attention, so it’s possible that Honor is holding back those announcements for a future event or prioritizing this keynote on software, AI features, and ecosystem connectivity.

    The event is set to happen at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower on March 2 at 16:30 CET. For those attending MWC, the company will also showcase its products at Stand 3H10 in Hall 3 at Fira Gran Via, where visitors can check out the latest offerings.

    Whether the Alpha Plan is a revolutionary strategy or just another piece of marketing jargon will become clear in time. What’s evident is that Honor is eager to present itself as a significant player in AI. Now they just need to back it up with real technological advancements.

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  • Sneak Peek: Upcoming Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Features and Specs

    Sneak Peek: Upcoming Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Features and Specs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MagicBook Pro 14 features a D12 heat pipe and dual fans for improved cooling efficiency, supporting demanding tasks.
    2. It includes dual 2280 hard disk slots, allowing users to easily expand their storage.
    3. The laptop will have a 14.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3120×2080, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 700 nits.
    4. It incorporates Honor’s Oasis Eye Protection technology, beneficial for users spending long hours on the screen.
    5. Details about the launch date and pricing are not yet available, but the laptop is positioned as a premium market contender.

    Honor has offered a glimpse into the internal workings of its soon-to-be-released MagicBook Pro 14 laptop. Lin Lin, the Vice President of Honor China and the Director of the Smart Life Business Department, posted an image showcasing an early model of the laptop, emphasizing its cooling system and dual storage slots.

    Internal Design Highlights

    The MagicBook Pro 14 prototype is equipped with a D12 heat pipe along with two fans. This setup is anticipated to provide better cooling efficiency, allowing the laptop to handle demanding tasks more effectively. Additionally, it comes with dual 2280 hard disk slots, giving users the option to expand their storage easily.

    The exact battery capacity is still unknown, but it is believed to be a key feature for the laptop. Lin Lin also responded to several inquiries in the comments, confirming that the device will come with an OLED Oasis eye protection screen. There will also be a U9 version available, though it will likely be on the pricier side.

    Display Specifications

    Earlier this month, the executive teased some details about the laptop’s display through a mysterious Weibo post. The MagicBook Pro 14 is set to boast a 14.6-inch OLED display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Reportedly, the screen will have a resolution of 3120×2080, support a 120Hz refresh rate, and reach a maximum brightness of 700 nits, making it suitable for indoor use.

    In terms of software features, the display includes Honor’s Oasis Eye Protection technology, which is particularly beneficial for students and professionals who spend long hours in front of screens.

    Launch and Market Positioning

    Sadly, details regarding the launch date and pricing are still not available. Given its sophisticated cooling system, dual storage options, and high-resolution display, it appears that Honor aims to position this laptop as a formidable player in the premium market.

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    Sneak Peek: Upcoming Honor MagicBook Pro 14 Features and Specs
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  • Snapdragon 6 Gen 4: AI, Gaming, and Battery Boosts for Mid-Range Phones

    Snapdragon 6 Gen 4: AI, Gaming, and Battery Boosts for Mid-Range Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 offers improved power and efficiency for mid-range smartphones, catering to gamers, content creators, and professionals.

    2. AI Capabilities: Advanced AI features enhance tasks like photo editing and voice commands, providing smoother user experiences.

    3. Gaming and Audio Support: The platform supports 4K graphics and wireless lossless audio, making it suitable for demanding gaming scenarios.

    4. 5G and Wi-Fi Connectivity: With ultra-fast 5G and Wi-Fi support, users can expect stable and speedy internet for browsing, streaming, and video calls.

    5. Improved Photography and Battery Life: The chipset enhances image processing for better photos in various lighting conditions and optimizes battery efficiency for longer usage on a single charge.

    Qualcomm has launched its latest Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 mobile platform, which promises improved performance, enhanced battery life, and AI-enhanced features specifically for mid-range smartphones. This chipset is crafted for a diverse range of users, targeting gamers, content creators, and professionals who need dependable connectivity, stunning visuals, and robust performance.

    Features and Specifications of Snapdragon 6 Gen 4

    The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is designed to provide a great mix of power and efficiency. It includes advanced AI capabilities, which makes tasks such as photo enhancements and voice commands work more smoothly. The platform is also built to manage demanding gaming scenarios, offering 4K graphics and wireless lossless audio thanks to Snapdragon Sound technology.

    With ultra-fast 5G and Wi-Fi support, users can look forward to stable and speedy internet for browsing, streaming, and video conferencing. The chipset enhances photography by improving image processing, ensuring clearer photos even in various lighting situations. Its battery efficiency has been fine-tuned, allowing for longer use on a single charge without sacrificing performance.

    Availability of Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Smartphones

    Smartphones utilizing the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 are expected to be released in the next few months. Major brands like Realme, Oppo, and Honor are anticipated to integrate this chipset into their upcoming mid-range phone models.

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  • Honor Partners with DeepSeek to Enhance AI Assistant Functionality

    Honor Partners with DeepSeek to Enhance AI Assistant Functionality

    It’s been nearly two years, and the AI trend shows no signs of slowing down. OpenAI kicked off this movement with ChatGPT, but now, many others have joined, including Google, Meta, and Claude, among others.

    A New Challenger from China

    The most significant shift in AI since OpenAI’s introduction might be emerging from China. DeepSeek, a newcomer in the field, gained attention last month with its R1 model—an AI focused on reasoning that surpasses GPT-4o in various benchmarks and is also open source.

    DeepSeek-R1 is offered under the MIT license, allowing free use for both commercial and educational purposes. This freedom appears to be making quite an impact already.

    Major Brands Adopting DeepSeek-R1

    Big smartphone manufacturers are reportedly interested in adding DeepSeek-R1 to their AI assistants. Huawei has already embraced this change, and now Honor is set to follow.

    Honor announced that an enhanced version of its in-house assistant, YOYO—currently only available in the Chinese market—will utilize DeepSeek-R1. According to Honor, YOYO has more than 130 million monthly active users. With the integration of DeepSeek-R1, the company promises a significant boost in performance.

    Enhancing User Experience

    Honor is concentrating on improving natural language processing to make YOYO more responsive and context-aware. Logical reasoning and a deeper understanding of context are crucial areas where DeepSeek-R1 is expected to shine.

    Honor aims for its assistant to feel more intuitive, manage complex tasks more effectively, and offer a smarter, personalized experience. Their strategy focuses on providing seamless interaction. Users in China can access the updated YOYO by swiping up from the bottom of their device to the “AI agent” section and choosing “DeepSeek-R1.”

    The rollout begins on February 8th and will be available for Honor smartphone users in China with MagicOS 8.0 or later. Additionally, to enable the DeepSeek-powered upgrade, users must update the YOYO app to version 80.0.1.503 or higher. Currently, this upgrade is exclusive to China, but it remains unclear if Honor plans to expand to international markets.

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    Honor Partners with DeepSeek to Enhance AI Assistant Functionality
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  • Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor is reportedly working on a new 14-inch laptop that could share the same lightweight and slim design as the current MagicBook X14 Plus 2025, which measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs 1.34kg.

    Features and Specs

    This upcoming model is expected to include the Multi-Screen Collaboration feature, enabling users to connect their Magic7 Pro smartphone to share screens. It may also come equipped with an Intel Core 200H-series processor, enhancing its performance capabilities.

    Display Upgrade

    However, the anticipated laptop might feature a display with a resolution of 3.1K, an improvement from the 2.8K resolution found in the Plus model and the 2.2K resolution of the earlier MagicBook X 14 Pro 2023. The screen is expected to provide “professional” color accuracy along with new “Oasis” eye health benefits.

    Design and Launch

    The leak regarding the “MagicBook X14 Pro 2025” suggests it may be available in a white color option, in addition to the existing Light Sea Blue and Starry Sky Gray colors of the Plus. It is also believed to maintain Honor’s strong focus on performance tuning and battery longevity, as mentioned by the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, and is expected to be revealed “soon.”

    Considering its features and price point of around ~$1,100, the “X14 Pro 2025” could serve as an attractive alternative to the MacBook Air, particularly in markets like China in the near future.

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  • Honor CEO Resigns as MagicOS 9.0 Lunar New Year Edition Launches

    Honor CEO Resigns as MagicOS 9.0 Lunar New Year Edition Launches

    Honor has recently launched its newest Android smartphones, including the premium Magic7 Pro and 7 RSR, in the global market. However, this appears to be the last major product release for Zhao Ming, also known as George Zhao, as the CEO of the company.

    Zhao’s Departure

    The company’s board has accepted Zhao’s resignation, which he states was for personal reasons and not an easy choice. Since 2015, he has guided Honor through its significant public separation from Huawei and has played a key role in re-establishing the brand as a notable player in the personal device market. Zhao aimed to compete with giants like Apple while avoiding trends like camera co-branding.

    New Leadership

    In recognition of Zhao’s “outstanding contributions,” Honor has announced that Jian Li will take over as CEO. Jian Li has a history with Huawei, which adds an interesting twist to the leadership change. Honor promises to keep offering innovative products and experiences to users worldwide under this new management.

    MagicOS 9.0 Update

    To celebrate the Lunar New Year in China, Honor has also introduced a new update for MagicOS 9.0. This update includes an anti-travel sickness display feature, unique Spring Festival photo watermarks, lockscreens, and improvements for telephoto lenses on compatible devices.

    However, this update is limited to a select range of smartphones, including all models in the Magic7, Magic6, Magic5, Honor 300 (including the new Ultra variant), and Honor 200 series.

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  • Honor CEO Zhao Ming Resigns; Former Huawei Exec Takes Charge

    Honor CEO Zhao Ming Resigns; Former Huawei Exec Takes Charge

    In a surprising change, Zhao Ming, the CEO of Honor, has resigned due to health issues. The board has selected Li Jian, a former Huawei executive with a lot of experience, to take over as the new CEO.

    Zhao Ming’s Impact at Honor

    Zhao Ming, who worked at Huawei for 17 years, was key to Honor’s achievements. He took charge of the brand in 2015 and guided it to become the leading online mobile phone brand in China for several quarters in a row. Under his direction, Honor not only surpassed Samsung to become the top mobile phone brand in Russia by the end of 2019 but also secured the second position in the Chinese smartphone market in 2020.

    Challenges and Resilience

    However, the company’s path changed drastically in November 2020 due to US sanctions against Huawei. This led to Huawei selling its Honor business unit, with Zhao Ming becoming the CEO of the newly independent Honor Terminal Co., Ltd. Despite these hurdles, under Zhao Ming’s leadership, Honor quickly established its own R&D, product development, supply chain, and market systems in just four months. The Honor V40 was launched as the first product post-separation in January.

    Future Directions with Li Jian

    Honor also made significant progress towards an initial public offering (IPO) by completing its shareholding reform and rebranding itself as Honor Device Co., Ltd. by the end of 2024. The smartphone market in China remains highly competitive. Data from Canalys indicates that Vivo holds a 17% market share in 2024, while Huawei has shown a strong comeback with a year-on-year growth of 37%. Apple, OPPO, and Honor follow in third, fourth, and fifth place, with Honor holding a 15% market share.

    Li Jian, the newly appointed CEO, comes with a rich background from his long service at Huawei, where he was involved in major strategic changes and played a significant role in key business challenges. His skills in strategic management and international operations will be crucial for Honor as it moves ahead.

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    Honor CEO Zhao Ming Resigns; Former Huawei Exec Takes Charge
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  • Honor Magic7 Pro: Global Launch with Pre-Order Discounts and Bundles

    Honor Magic7 Pro: Global Launch with Pre-Order Discounts and Bundles

    The Magic7 Pro has made its way to Europe and the UK, though it comes with some changes compared to the version released in China at the end of October. To summarize, Honor has replaced the Magic6 Pro (currently priced at $818 on Amazon) with a new device featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 5,850 mAh silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen.

    Changes in Battery and Display

    While Qualcomm’s most recent flagship display remains unchanged, the 5,850 mAh Si/C battery has been swapped out for a smaller 5,270 mAh version. This new battery still supports 80 W wireless charging and 100 W wired charging. The large, curved display continues to offer a 2,800 x 1,280-pixel native resolution, along with impressive brightness levels of 1,600 nits for the full panel and 5,000 nits at peak, plus a PWM dimming frequency of 4,320 Hz.

    Camera Features

    The Magic7 Pro has also launched in other regions with the same camera system. Honor aims to differentiate this device from its flagship rivals by featuring a 50 MP primary camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.0. Additionally, it sports a 50 MP front camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 200 MP telephoto camera, which offers 3x optical zoom despite Honor promoting “AI Super Zoom” capabilities of up to 100x.

    Pricing and Offers

    The Magic7 Pro is now available in Europe and the UK, starting at €1,299 and £1,099.99, respectively. Notably, Honor is offering a complimentary MagicPad 2 tablet in the UK, while customers in the Eurozone will receive a €300 discount along with a 100 W wired charger. The company is also providing a £300 early bird voucher in the UK. For complete launch information, you can visit Honor’s official website.

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  • Honor Earbuds Open: AI Translation, ANC, Spatial Audio, 22h Playtime

    Honor Earbuds Open: AI Translation, ANC, Spatial Audio, 22h Playtime

    Honor has recently unveiled its Magic 7 Pro series in Malaysia, following the initial launch in China last year. Along with the smartphone, the company has also rolled out a new set of earbuds known as the Honor Earbuds Open.

    Pricing and Availability

    While the earbuds are currently listed on Hong Kong’s official website, their pricing has not been revealed there. In Malaysia, however, they are available for RM699 ($155). There are expectations that these earbuds will be introduced in other regions shortly. Now, let’s explore their main features.

    Key Features of Honor Earbuds Open

    The Honor Earbuds Open are designed to be lightweight and have a unique crescent shape made from food-grade silicone, ensuring comfort during wear. They incorporate a nickel-titanium memory alloy C-bridge, which provides durability and flexibility, making them ideal for long-term use and compatible for those who wear glasses. Each earbud measures 49.22 x 39.52 x 15.6 mm and weighs 7.9g, while the charging case is 80.44 x 61.02 x 20.45 mm and weighs 52.5g.

    These earbuds boast a 16mm multi-magnetic circuit dynamic driver equipped with a high-elastic TPU composite diaphragm and a titanium-plated dome tweeter that delivers a rich sound experience. They support spatial audio and carry an IP54 rating which makes them resistant to water and dust.

    Advanced Technology for Users

    One of the standout features of the Earbuds Open is their AI-driven real-time translation, catering to globetrotters and professionals alike. The “Shared Mode” allows for bilingual conversations, and the translation capability greatly enhances comprehension during lectures and meetings.

    The earbuds are also equipped with a triple-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation system, which effectively minimizes background noise during music playback and phone conversations. Furthermore, the AI Privacy Call feature reduces sound leakage, which is essential for maintaining privacy even in quiet settings.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The Honor Earbuds Open utilize Bluetooth 5.2 technology, allowing for dual-device pairing that ensures stable connections and smooth audio transitions. The earbuds come with user-friendly touch controls, including double-tap, triple-tap, swipe, and long press for easy navigation.

    On battery life, users can expect up to 6 hours of playback from a single charge, extending to 22 hours when using the charging case. They support quick charging as well, with a mere 15-minute charge offering 2 hours of playback, while the case itself takes about 110 minutes to recharge fully.

    These earbuds are available in two attractive colors: Polar Gold and Polar Black.

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