Contactless market to “explode” in Europe this year
Visa Europe director claims size will at least double as adoption and availability expands
Paul Withers
March 9, 2016
Chinese manufacturer launches first two-in-one notebook/tablet hybrid
Huawei kicked off the 2016 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona with the launch of its first two-in-one notebook/tablet hybrid, the MateBook.
The Chinese manufacturer, which sold more than 100 million handsets globally last year, has become a common fixture in the Catalonian capital, choosing, like Samsung and LG, to make its announcements on the eve of the conferences official opening.
The new MateBook was unveiled by Huawei CEO Richard Yu (pictured) in front of more than 1,000 media representatives a stone’s throw from the iconic Fira ‘Magic Fountains’ where Queen frontman Freddie
Mercury and Montserrat Caballe famously duetted in 1987.
Yu claimed the 12-inch aluminium device, which runs on Windows 10 OS – its first away from Android – designed to “meet the demands of the next generation of mobile innovation”. He said it will provide a superior performance to traditional laptops, which he described as being “bulky”, with “poor display”, a “short battery”, and experiencing “constant failure” issues, which he claims do not apply with MateBook.
“We are bringing you a new PC world,” said Yu. “The MateBook is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s modern business users.”
Features
Features include what Yu claims to be a market leading screen (2160×1440 resolution) claiming it is “much better” than some of the existing leading brands, such as the iPad Pro, Surface Pro 4, and the ThinkPad x220.
It also has the highest screen-to-body ratio of 84 per cent. This compares to 76 per cent on the iPad Pro and 77 per cent on the Surface Pro.
“I really love this display,” said Yu.
The device is also “incredibly thin” at just 6.9mm weighing 640g and includes a 4,430 high density lithium battery providing an “incredible” 10 hours of usage, or 29 hours of constant music playback. Sixty per cent of the battery can be charged in one hour of charging.
“Some devices out there offer four or five hours,” said Yu. “But that’s not good enough.”
Other features include sixth generation Intel Core M-series processor (up to 3.1GHZ), which it claims can handle the “most rigorous business demands.”
Intel Corporation’s senior vice president and general manager, client computing group, Kirk Skaugen, who joined Yu on stage added: “This is an exciting time for Huawei to enter the market with its powerful new MateBook.
“Huawei is delivering a premium two-in-one experience that offers a compelling combination of mobility combined with full PC productivity. We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Huawei in this growing two-in-one market.”
One touch unlocking
Other features include front facing five megapixel camera, up to 512GB memory for the top priced model (128GB, 256GB variants), Windows 10 Home/Pro, dual speakers and is also the “world’s first” PC to offer one touch unlocking using its fingerprint recognition technology.
Huawei has also built a new Stylus called the ‘MatePen’, designed to allow handwritten input. The device, which also doubles as a laser pointer, can last up to one month with just an hour of charging.
“Huawei has successfully channelled its comprehensive experience in building premium mobile products into the needs of the modern business environment by introducing a highly-efficient device, seamlessly capable of integrating work and entertainment functions,” concluded Yu.
Availability
The device will be available in Asia, Europe and North America in the coming months, with prices starting from $699.
It can be purchased in two colour variants, grey or gold, with a range of four cases available to buy in black, brown, orange or beige.