Huawei silent on secretive 5G phone at launch.
Huawei silent on secretive 5G phone at launch.
Huawei Expands Beyond Smartphones: 5G Electric Cars and Wireless Earbuds
On September 25th, Chinese telecommunications and tech giant Huawei made waves in the market with announcements that went beyond the expected smartphone unveiling. The company revealed its foray into the electric vehicle market, showcasing an inaugural sedan and a luxury SUV. Alongside this, Huawei also announced a partnership with an automaker to launch vehicles under the Aito brand.
Additionally, Huawei launched a new pair of wireless earbuds, priced at around 1,499 yuan ($205), equipped with the company’s Kirin A2 chip. This range of products was unveiled during Huawei’s autumn season launch event, which was livestreamed in Mandarin.
While the absence of a smartphone announcement left many online enthusiasts disappointed, early hints from Richard Yu, the executive director and CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group and the host of the event, had indicated that smartphone details would not be disclosed. However, many viewers, particularly on the Bilibili video platform, expressed their desire for smartphone information.
The extravagant product launch event began with an orchestral and choral performance of a Chinese song, “My Dream.” The event also featured a brief speech by Hong Kong celebrity Andy Lau, discussing Huawei’s luxury watch design. Despite attempts to create a positive atmosphere around Huawei’s technological capabilities, the event did not result in a concrete smartphone announcement.
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During the event, Huawei unveiled a new version of its smartwatch, a tablet claimed to be lighter and thinner than the iPad, and a stylus that connects to the tablet using Huawei’s NearLink technology, similar to Bluetooth.
Huawei’s Advancements in Chip Production
It is important to note that Huawei recently discreetly introduced its latest smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, which boasts 5G-level download speeds thanks to an advanced semiconductor chip. This release demonstrated that Huawei can still employ cutting-edge technologies despite facing restrictions from the US.
According to analysis conducted by TechInsights, Huawei produced its Kirin 9000s chip, which powers the Mate 60 Pro, using a 7-nanometer process developed by China’s chipmaking giant, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). Previously, this 7nm process required an EUV lithography machine from Dutch company ASML, which has restricted sales to China. The involvement of older machines or alternative procurement methods in the latest chip production remains uncertain.
Huawei has not provided any official comment on TechInsights’ discoveries. Under the pressure of US sanctions, which severed critical smartphone technology supplies such as semiconductors and Google software, Huawei’s consumer business revenue has experienced a 50% decline.
The Trump administration initiated restrictions on Huawei’s access to such technology in 2019, citing national security risks due to alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party and the country’s military. Huawei has consistently refuted these claims, emphasizing its commitment to privacy and data security.
Looking ahead, Huawei has expressed its anticipation of resuming the launch of its flagship consumer products on a “normal” schedule. The company’s advancements in chip production, as demonstrated by the Mate 60 Pro, showcase its resilience in navigating the complex landscape of global restrictions and evolving technological demands.
In conclusion, Huawei’s recent announcements at its autumn season launch event highlighted the company’s expansion beyond smartphones. The introduction of electric vehicles and wireless earbuds demonstrate Huawei’s commitment to diversify its product offerings and explore new markets. Additionally, Huawei’s advancements in chip production, exemplified by the 7nm Kirin 9000s chip, showcase its ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies despite facing challenges from US restrictions. As the company looks towards the future, Huawei remains a key player in the tech industry, constantly pushing boundaries and innovating in an ever-evolving market.