Tag: Huawei

  • Xiaomi Levels Accusations against Huawei Executive for Falsehoods and Distorted Facts

    Xiaomi Levels Accusations against Huawei Executive for Falsehoods and Distorted Facts

    In the realm of intellectual property rights, theft becomes a more intricate matter than the physical pilfering of an item. Consequently, courts often serve as battlegrounds where seemingly straightforward cases can transform into protracted struggles. As a result, numerous companies find themselves frequently assuming the roles of either defendants or plaintiffs in legal disputes.

    Currently, a similar scenario is unfolding between Xiaomi and Huawei. These two tech giants are embroiled in a legal battle, presenting their case before a judge in a copyright infringement lawsuit. Xiaomi has accused a Huawei executive of distorting facts in their ongoing patent dispute concerning foldable smartphones.

    The Details of the Case

    Huawei has taken legal action against Xiaomi, claiming that the latter has infringed upon its patents pertaining to foldable smartphones. The lawsuit alleges that Xiaomi's devices, including the Mi Mix Fold, violate Huawei's intellectual property rights. The legal battle centers around the design and technology employed in these foldable devices.

    Xiaomi, on the other hand, has countered by accusing a Huawei executive of misrepresenting facts in the patent dispute. They argue that Huawei has failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of patent infringement. Xiaomi asserts that they have conducted their own research and development to create their foldable smartphones, which do not infringe on any of Huawei's patents.

    As with many intellectual property disputes, this legal battle between Xiaomi and Huawei is expected to be a complex and protracted affair. The intricacies of patent law and the need for detailed technical evidence make these cases particularly challenging to resolve. Furthermore, the stakes are high for both companies, as the outcome of the case could have significant financial and reputational implications.

    Conclusion

    The ongoing legal battle between Xiaomi and Huawei over foldable smartphone patents highlights the complexities of intellectual property disputes. Both companies are firmly entrenched in their positions, with Huawei alleging patent infringement and Xiaomi countering with accusations of misrepresentation. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will navigate the intricate web of patent law and reach a resolution.

  • Mobile network equipment factory under construction in France by Huawei

    Mobile network equipment factory under construction in France by Huawei

    Huawei Technologies is making a strategic move to solidify its global economic position by constructing a cutting-edge mobile phone network equipment factory in Brumath, near Strasbourg, France. Despite facing setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent reports indicate that the ambitious plans are back on track.

    Investing a substantial 200 million euros (US$215.28 million) in the project, Huawei is demonstrating its commitment to establishing a manufacturing presence in Europe, even in the face of challenges in certain markets. The construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, marking a significant milestone for Huawei's expansion strategy in the region.

    Construction and Economic Impact

    According to a French government source, the facility is expected to be operational by 2025, contributing to local economic growth and employment opportunities. However, due to the delays in construction commencement, there is speculation that the timeline for completion might be adjusted accordingly.

    French Government's Stance on Huawei

    The decision to build the factory comes amidst the French government's position on Huawei's 5G equipment licenses. In 2020, the government informed telecom operators that they could not renew Huawei 5G licenses upon expiration, indicating a move to phase out Huawei from mobile networks in the country. However, recent developments suggest an extension of Huawei 5G licenses in some cities following a meeting between French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and China's Vice-Premier He Lifeng.

    Strengthening European Presence

    Huawei's decision to build the manufacturing plant aligns with broader discussions among European leaders on how to "de-risk" while maintaining cooperation with China. Despite security concerns leading to restrictions on Huawei and ZTE equipment in certain European countries, the construction of the French factory signifies Huawei's determination to strengthen its European presence.

    Financial Investment and Employment Opportunities

    The project's financial investment and employment plans are significant. Huawei expects to employ 300 individuals at the facility's launch, with future projections reaching 500 employees in the long term.

    As the construction progresses, Huawei has chosen to remain tight-lipped about specific details regarding the project. However, future updates are eagerly anticipated, as they promise to provide more insights into the factory's exact timeline and potential benefits for the region. These updates will shed more light on Huawei's ongoing efforts in global expansion.

  • Official Design of ASUS ROG Phone 8 Unveiled

    Official Design of ASUS ROG Phone 8 Unveiled

    We are just a few weeks away from the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 (CES) in Las Vegas. Yesterday, Taiwanese brand ASUS announced a ROG event a day before the annual tech event commences on January 9. The company could launch multiple laptops as well as the next-generation ROG Phone 8 series at the event. In fact, the latter is also confirmed to launch in China on January 16. Now, ahead of the launch event, we have got a clear look which also seems to be official at the forthcoming gaming smartphones.

    ASUS ROG Phone 8 surfaces in official image

    ASUS has released an official image of the upcoming ROG Phone 8, giving us a glimpse at the design of the device. The image confirms a redesigned camera module and showcases the back panel of the smartphone.

    Redesigned camera module and back panel

    The initial teaser of the ROG Phone 8 provided a slight glimpse of the device and confirmed a redesigned camera module. ASUS has now posted a blind camera test on its official website, asking visitors to select the best-looking photo in various scenarios. Upon completing the test, the page reveals the ROG Phone 8, giving us a better look at the design of the back panel.

    The ASUS ROG Phone 8 sports a boxy frame, distinguishing it from its predecessor’s slim profile. The back panel features a dual-tone design with a lighter and darker shade of the same color variant (Grey and Black). The device also has a protruding squarish camera module on the right edge, housing one large sensor, two smaller lenses, and an LED flash unit. The bottom part of the device showcases the ROG’s RGB logo.

    Additional features and specifications

    In addition to the design elements, the image also reveals a few other features of the ROG Phone 8. The smartphone curves around the edges and a USB-C port is visible on the left edge of the device. The camera test also mentions “telephoto (x3)” and “telephoto (x10)” categories, indicating the presence of a telephoto camera in the ROG Phone 8 series.

    Powerful processor confirmed

    The ASUS ROG Phone 8 is already confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This powerful processor is expected to deliver a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.

    With the CES event just around the corner, ASUS fans and gaming enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official launch of the ROG Phone 8 series. The upcoming smartphones are expected to offer an impressive gaming experience with their powerful specifications and innovative features. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch event.

  • Huawei Introduces Fashionable FreeClip Open-Ear Buds at €199

    Huawei Introduces Fashionable FreeClip Open-Ear Buds at €199

    Huawei Expands Product Line with FreeClip Open-Ear Buds

    Huawei is making its mark in the smartphone market with the Mate 60 series, and now the company is expanding its product family even further. Today, at an event in Dubai, Huawei introduced several new products, with the most attention-grabbing being the FreeClip open-ear buds. These innovative earbuds are designed to resemble stylish earrings, making them a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who want to look stylish everywhere they go, from sports activities to office meetings.

    Open-Ear Design for Enhanced Awareness

    One of the standout features of the Huawei FreeClip is its open-ear design. This unique design allows users to enjoy wireless audio while remaining aware of their surroundings. It is particularly useful for outdoor sports activities or when multitasking between online calls and in-person collaborations. However, it’s worth noting that this design may not provide the same level of sound isolation and noise cancellation as traditional earbuds.

    Comfortable and Long-Lasting

    The FreeClip features a C-bridge Design that includes an adaptive sensor. This design helps reduce strain on the user’s ear cartilage, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended use. In terms of battery life, the FreeClip offers up to 8 hours of music playback on a single charge. With the included charging case, the total battery life can be extended to up to 36 hours. Moreover, the earbuds are IP54 rated for water, dust, and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various activities and environments.

    Availability and Pricing

    According to Huawei’s announcement, the FreeClip open-ear buds will be available in the UK and Europe from late December. The suggested retail price for the FreeClip is £179.99 or €199. Customers who pre-order or order from select countries in the Huawei Store between December 12, 2023, and January 29, 2024, will also receive a free HUAWEI Band 8.

    In conclusion, Huawei’s introduction of the FreeClip open-ear buds showcases the company’s commitment to expanding its product offerings. With its unique design, comfortable fit, and long battery life, the FreeClip is sure to appeal to both fashion-conscious individuals and those who prioritize awareness of their surroundings. Keep an eye out for the availability of the Huawei FreeClip in the UK and Europe later this year.

  • Introduction of Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 Equipped with High-End Features in Global Markets

    Introduction of Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 Equipped with High-End Features in Global Markets

    Huawei Launches Flagship MatePad Pro 13.2 Tablet Globally

    Huawei held an event in Dubai today to unveil its latest devices, including the flagship MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet. This tablet was initially released in China in September of this year and is now making its way to global markets. The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 is set to compete with popular tablets like the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the market.

    Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 Specifications and Features

    The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 features a large 13.2-inch screen with a notch on the right bezel. It is the world's first tablet to come with a flexible OLED panel. The display offers a resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels, 1,000 nits peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 94 percent screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, it is compatible with the M-pen stylus, which boasts 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and 0ms low latency.

    Despite its large size, the MatePad Pro 13.2 is touted as the thinnest and lightest tablet in its category. It features a circular camera module on the back panel that houses a 13MP and 8MP sensor. On the front, there is a 16MP front-facing camera along with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) unit. The tablet also comes equipped with six dual-channel speakers that support Spatial Audio for an immersive audio experience.

    Under the hood, the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 is powered by a Kirin 9000s processor. It offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. To ensure efficient heat dissipation, the device is equipped with a 52000mm2 VC liquid cooling system. The tablet is backed by a 10,100mAh battery with support for 88W fast charging. On the software front, it runs on HarmonyOS 4, which brings various features like floating windows and WPS Office integration.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 will be available in two storage configurations. The 12GB + 256GB model starts at €999, while the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at €1,199. Additionally, Huawei is offering the Smart Magnetic Keyboard for €199 and the M-Pencil for €99. Pre-orders for the tablet will begin on January 8, with shipments scheduled to commence from January 22 in Europe.

    With its impressive specifications and features, the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 aims to provide a strong competition to other leading tablets in the market. Its flexible OLED panel, powerful processor, and long-lasting battery make it an attractive option for consumers looking for a high-performance tablet.

  • Amidst US sanctions, Huawei ventures into automotive partnerships with Audi and Mercedes

    Amidst US sanctions, Huawei ventures into automotive partnerships with Audi and Mercedes

    Huawei Explores Partnerships with German Car Manufacturers for EV and Smart Car Software Sectors

    Chinese tech giant Huawei is actively seeking partnerships with renowned car manufacturers in a strategic move to overcome the obstacles created by US-imposed sanctions. The company recently held closed-door meetings with Audi and Mercedes, the two largest German automotive companies, with the aim of exploring potential joint ventures or partnerships in the electric vehicle (EV) and smart car software sectors.

    Huawei is considering spinning off its Intelligent Automotive Solution (IAS) business unit, highlighting its ambition to become a leading supplier of software and components for smart EVs. The IAS business unit is estimated to be valued between $28 billion and $35 billion.

    Mercedes’ Limited Interest in Huawei’s Smart Car Software and Components Firm

    Mercedes, one of the automotive giants approached by Huawei, reportedly offered to acquire a 3% to 5% stake in Huawei’s smart car software and components firm. However, the German automaker showed limited interest, as it prioritizes retaining control over software and maintaining its premium brand positioning.

    Potential Collaboration with Audi on Autonomous Driving Technologies

    Audi’s level of interest in Huawei’s proposal remains uncertain, but reports suggest the possibility of collaboration in the development of autonomous driving technologies for Audi vehicles in the Chinese market from 2025 onwards. This aligns with the broader trend of global automakers seeking partnerships with Chinese companies to cater to the tech-savvy Chinese consumer base.

    Huawei’s Focus on Partnerships with Electric Car Makers and Established Automakers

    As Huawei faces the challenges posed by US sanctions, the company recognizes the need to secure its position as a primary supplier of intelligent solutions for European, US, and Japanese companies. Richard Yu, who oversees Huawei’s smart car business, acknowledges these challenges and emphasizes the company’s focus on forming partnerships with both smaller electric car makers and established automakers.

    Collaboration Trend in the Competitive Chinese Automotive Market

    While Mercedes and Audi declined to comment on the speculation surrounding the discussions, Huawei has also remained silent on the matter. Industry experts believe that Huawei’s outreach to global automakers reflects a broader trend in the industry, where collaboration is key to introducing advanced features in the highly competitive Chinese automotive market.

    Diversified Approach: Partnerships with Established Automakers and Smaller Players

    As Huawei navigates the challenges posed by US sanctions, its strategy involves partnerships with established automakers as well as collaborations with smaller players like Series Group. Notably, Changan Automobile plans to invest in Huawei’s smart car business, potentially acquiring up to 40% stake. This diversified approach showcases Huawei’s commitment to securing investments and partnerships in the automotive sector.

    In conclusion, Huawei’s pursuit of partnerships with reputable car manufacturers such as Audi and Mercedes underscores its determination to strengthen its presence in the EV and smart car software sectors. As the company faces the impact of US sanctions, these collaborations and investments are crucial for Huawei to secure its position as a leading supplier of intelligent solutions in the global automotive industry.

  • Leaked before launch: Huawei’s inaugural open-back earphones, FreeClip

    Leaked before launch: Huawei’s inaugural open-back earphones, FreeClip

    Huawei is set to unveil its latest products in Dubai today, and one of the most anticipated launches is the Huawei FreeClip, an open-back style earphone. Thanks to leaked promo material, we now have a sneak peek at these innovative earphones.

    A Unique Design

    The Huawei FreeClip marks the company’s first foray into open-back earphones. The promo material reveals that each earpiece is composed of two parts connected by a curved center-piece, which Huawei refers to as a C-bridge design. This design resembles a modern clip earring and adds a touch of elegance to the earphones.

    Enhanced Comfort and Sound Quality

    The open-back design of the Huawei FreeClip is expected to make them more comfortable to wear for extended periods, potentially reducing ear fatigue. Rumors also suggest that the earbuds will feature built-in vents to improve airflow and enhance sound quality.

    Stylish Charging Case

    The leaked image also provides a glimpse of the charging case for the Huawei FreeClip. The case appears to cradle the earphones in an inverted position. While specific technical specifications remain unknown, it is clear that the FreeClip’s independent design sets it apart from other wearables.

    Battery Life and Color Options

    The Huawei FreeClip is rumored to offer a battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge. This impressive battery performance ensures that users can enjoy their favorite music or podcasts without interruption. Additionally, reports suggest that the earphones will be available in two color options: Black and Purple.

    With the official launch just hours away, the details surrounding the Huawei FreeClip are still under wraps. However, eager fans won’t have to wait much longer to learn more about this exciting new product. Stay tuned for more updates as Huawei unveils its latest devices in Dubai.

  • Apple dominates premium smartphone market in China as Xiaomi, Huawei gain ground

    Apple dominates premium smartphone market in China as Xiaomi, Huawei gain ground

    Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei Among Preferred Brands in China's Premium Phone Market

    According to the latest survey conducted by Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) data for the Chinese market in November 2023, there has been a significant increase in new smartphone activations. The total number of activations reached 28.71 million units, showing a year-on-year growth of 12.7 percent.

    Xiaomi Takes the Lead in the High-End Segment

    Xiaomi has reclaimed the top spot among domestic smartphone brands in China, particularly in the high-end segment priced above 4,000 Yuan+ (~$550). Alongside Apple and Huawei, Xiaomi now stands as one of the top three high-end brands, contributing to nearly 90 percent of the market share in this premium category.

    Apple Maintains its Position in the High-End Market

    Despite encountering a 21.2 percent year-on-year decline, Apple continues to lead in the high-end market. Xiaomi, with an 18.3 percent market share, secures the top position among Chinese brands, experiencing a significant 44.1 percent year-on-year increase in activations, showcasing the highest growth rate. Honor claims the third spot in activation volume, registering a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase.

    Huawei Leads in Growth Rate

    Although ranking fourth in market share, Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6 percent year-on-year growth in activations, leading the market in terms of growth rate. On the other hand, brands like Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume. The competition intensifies in the high-end market, dominated by Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi, which capture nearly 90 percent of the share. Other brands collectively hold a modest 10 percent market share.

    Xiaomi's Resurgence and Impact on Apple

    BCI data highlights the resurgence of Xiaomi as the leading domestic brand, attributing its success to consistent year-on-year growth of over 40 percent in new phone activations for five consecutive weeks. Xiaomi has encountered the highest growth rate, increasing by 11.8 percent year-on-year. This dynamic landscape suggests that the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably impacted Apple's standing in the high-end market.


    BCI Survey Results for November 2023:

    • Total new smartphone activations in China: 28.71 million units (12.7% year-on-year increase)
    • Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei dominate the high-end market, capturing nearly 90% of the market share
    • Xiaomi experiences a significant 44.1% year-on-year increase in activations, securing the top position among Chinese brands
    • Apple maintains its lead in the high-end market despite a 21.2% year-on-year decline
    • Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6% year-on-year growth in activations, leading in terms of growth rate
    • Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume
    • Other brands collectively hold a modest 10% market share

    BCI data suggests that Xiaomi's consistent growth and the impact of the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably affected Apple's position in the high-end market.

  • Despite US sanctions, China’s Huawei launches latest 5nm Kirin 9006C chip

    Despite US sanctions, China’s Huawei launches latest 5nm Kirin 9006C chip

    Despite facing crippling US sanctions, Chinese tech giant Huawei has managed to release a new 5nm chip called the Kirin 9006C SoC. This is a significant development following the unveiling of the 7nm Kirin 9000S chip just a few months ago, which is used in the latest Mate 60 series smartphones.

    Impact of US sanctions on China’s tech sector

    The US sanctions have had a severe impact on China’s tech sector, particularly on homegrown brands like Huawei. These sanctions have limited access to critical semiconductors and silicons from American companies such as Qualcomm, affecting numerous Chinese firms.

    Breakthrough with the Kirin 9000S

    Earlier this year, Huawei achieved a breakthrough with the 7nm ARM processor, the Kirin 9000S. This processor, manufactured by SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), powers the Huawei Mate 60 and has shattered sales records in China. Despite not matching the latest offerings from Qualcomm or MediaTek, the Kirin 9000S is a remarkable advancement considering SMIC’s current hardware capabilities.

    Introducing the Kirin 9006C

    The release of the Kirin 9000S was not a one-off accomplishment. It marked the beginning of a series of chips designed to overcome the US sanctions. Huawei is now taking it a step further with the introduction of the Kirin 9006C SoC.

    Specifications of the Kirin 9006C

    The Kirin 9006C features eight ARM CPU cores, comprising four A77 and four A55 cores, with a maximum clock speed of 3.13GHz. While these specifications may not appear groundbreaking, the real highlight is the chip’s 5nm process node technology. This is a significant milestone achieved by Huawei despite the US sanctions. Similar to the Kirin 9000S, the Kirin 9006C is expected to be manufactured by SMIC.

    Future possibilities for the Kirin 9006C

    Currently, the Kirin 9006C can only be found in Huawei’s Qingyun L540 laptop. However, its potential extends far beyond that. There are rumors suggesting that Huawei will incorporate this powerful new 5nm Kirin chip into their upcoming P70 smartphone series, which is expected to be announced early next year.

    In conclusion, despite facing challenges due to US sanctions, Huawei has managed to defy expectations and release the Kirin 9006C, a 5nm chip that pushes the boundaries of technology. This achievement showcases Huawei’s determination to overcome obstacles and continue innovating in the tech industry.

  • First look at Honor 90 GT reveals elegant design with smooth edges

    First look at Honor 90 GT reveals elegant design with smooth edges

    Following the release of the Honor 100 series last month, Honor is now focusing on the development of the Honor 90 GT. There are also rumors circulating about another GT-series phone, the Honor X50 GT. These devices are expected to be performance-centric phones, competing against the Redmi K70 and K70e. A recent leak on Weibo has provided a glimpse of the possible design of the Honor 90 GT.

    Honor 90 GT Design

    The leaked image reveals a design that is quite different from the Honor 80 GT. The phone showcases a striking purple-ish and gold color scheme with a matte finish.

    The back panel of the Honor 90 GT features a rectangular camera module that houses three cameras and an LED flash. The module itself is slightly raised, and the camera rim has a stylish golden accent. Additionally, the phone has flat sides, and the right side is adorned with stylish golden stripes, adding a touch of aesthetics.

    Unfortunately, the leak does not provide any information about the front design of the phone.

    Specifications (Rumored)

    According to previous reports, the Honor 90 GT is expected to come with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring powerful performance. There are even rumors suggesting the existence of a “Honor 90 GT+” variant with a whopping 24GB of RAM, which would be a first for Honor phones.

    Moreover, the Honor 90 GT, rumored to have the model number MAG-AN00, has appeared in the database of the 3C certification platform. This listing indicates that the smartphone may support 100W charging, allowing for fast and efficient charging.

    While other specifications for the Honor 90 GT remain unknown, we can anticipate competitive pricing, especially considering its expected competition with the Redmi K70. The Redmi K70 starts at 2,499 Yuan in China.

    As for the release date, reports suggest that the Honor X50 GT and the Honor 90 GT will be announced simultaneously. It is rumored that the phones will make their debut in the last week of this year.