Software update for the Huawei Watch improves voice recognition
Right before the company launches its Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion, Huawei is pushing an over-the-air software update to its Android Wear device. The Huawei Watch is receiving a software update that improves voice recognition, activity tracking capabilities, and a standby screen while charging the smartwatch.
Here are the release notes:
- Optimized the mic gain for improved “Ok Google” detection
- Optimized the fitness tracking to improve step counting accuracy
- Optimized the Bluetooth reconnect mechanism
- Add a new app to display the battery level when charging
- Add a new watch face that user can self-customize
- Add fusion sensor of gravity/linear acceleration/rotation vector
Despite the software update rolling out today, Huawei says every Huawei Watch should have the latest build by next week. The company will be alerting users once the software update is ready for installation after downloading automatically.
Huawei’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion takes up to $100 off of select Huawei Watch models. And the promotion does include the newest model that comes in Rose Gold with a real 22K rose gold body and an alligator-pressed brown leather strap.
Source: Huawei
Come comment on this article: Software update for the Huawei Watch improves voice recognition
Leaked Huawei Mate 8 renders: sleek body and nearly nonnexistent bezels
Huawei has worked hard to make a good name out of the Mate series. These devices have been outstanding, and the latest-generation Ascend Mate 7 happened to get a great review from us. 2015 is now coming to an end and it’s time for the Mate 8 to come around, a phone that should be announced in just a couple days.
Rumors have been coming around, including specs and some images, but we have to say the latest leak offers the best look at the Huawei Mate 8 that we have seen so far. These are not actual shots. Instead, we are presented with a set of press renders that show us every single detail on the phone’s aesthetics.
As we have seen in the past, the Huawei Mate 8 looks to carry a sleek and sturdy metal uni-body so many manufacturers have been adopting lately. They also show a fingerprint reader in the back, as well as a camera and dual-LED flash. The right side of the handset sports a power button and volume rocker, with a 3.5 mm headset jack adorning the top and a charging port in the bottom.
What most of you will notice right away is that screen, though, which seems to predominant when looking at the front. Those bezels are as thin as they get, giving off the impression that there is no metal on the sides of the phone. Now, this could be either good or bad depending on your preferences, but I am sure many of us can agree that it makes the smartphone very good looking.
We won’t know the exact details for a bit, and these images don’t give off anything on the internals, but we have heard the phone will come with a Kirin 950 processor (comparable to the Snapdragon 810), a Mali-T880 GPU 3-4 GB of RAM and 32-64 GB of internal storage.
Stay tuned for more details to come on November 26th! Who knows, we might even get some more leaks and rumors before then. Regardless, are any of you thinking of getting a Huawei Mate 8?
Black Friday deals: Unlocked Huawei phone, watch and a variety of Bluetooth speakers
With more Americans set to shop from the comfort of their own home this year on Black Friday, online retailers are ratcheting up the deals for 2015. Shoppers are also planning on spending an average of $369 dollars over the upcoming holiday weekend, an increase of 25% over last year according to a Deloitte survey. And the online deals just keeping getting better and better this week.
With that being said, Lugulake Direct(99% positive feedback rating at Amazon.com) has some fantastic deals lined up and are available early. All deals are ready to be used now so you don’t have to wait for Black Friday to roll around.
Huawei Deals
Huawei Talk Band B2 – $159.99(final price) – LINK
Apply discount code at checkout – 6ZYTGEID to save $10 with free shipping. Deal is available now.
- TalkBand B2 is a powerful next-generation wearable device that gives you everything you need for smart living, including automatic activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and crystal-clear hands-free calling
- The Next-Generation Wearable: It gives you everything you need for smart living
- Perfect for your busy lifestyle: TalkBand B2 is multi-functional to help keep you updated and in control whatever you are doing
- More than a pedometer: Thanks to its innovative 6-axis motion sensor, the TalkBand B2 is more than a pedometer but an activity tracker
- A perfect choice to wear it anywhere and everywhere without worry about dirt, sweat or splashes
Huawei Ascend Mate2 16GB factory unlocked Android smartphone LTE – $209.99(final price) – LINK
Apply discount code at checkout – 6ZYTGEID to save $10 with free shipping. Deal is available now.
Huawei made a name for themselves this year in the U.S. with the Nexus 6P and the Huawei Android Wear smartwatch. But before those two devices, Huawei was already making spectacular unlocked smartphones like the Ascend Mate2.
Speaker deals up to 50% off
LuguLake Slim Extremely Portable Pocket Size Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – LINK
Save $10 using code XEJHZQTL at checkout
- Design – Sporting a slim and lightweight design, the Bluetooth 4.0 speaker is designed with buttons that you can use to control the volume, Bluetooth, calls and more. The portable speaker also features an LED indicator.
- Awesome sound quality – Powered by Cambridge Silicon Radio Chipset, this device is designed to produce excellent sound at all times. The speaker also comes with a 1.5 inch full range neodymium driver microphone for excellent sound pick-up.
- Connectivity – Connect the speaker to a variety of devices using different methods. The speaker comes with Bluetooth v4.0 connectivity option along with NFC and a 3.5mm aux input. It can also directly access files from a microSD card.
- ortable – It’s almost the same size as your Nexus 5, just a bit thicker. Built-in 1000mAh lithium polymer battery, recharged via USB port.
LuguLake Swan Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker- LINK
$10 off Swan speaker via code OMJRJWKG
We recently reviewed the Swan speaker and thoroughly enjoyed it. It packs big sound in a small package.
- Advanced Bluetooth 4.0 technology. Home-developed module and high transfer speed. It offers HiFi audio quality and has two full range Neodymium drivers offering a rich and clear sound quality.
- Zinc alloy built body for a sturdy solid construction. Easy to use touch sense control panel. Long lasting internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
- The Swan Wireless Bluetooth speaker comes with a hands free voice calling prompt feature which enables you receive calls on the go. With a simple touch of the Bluetooth lights it transforms into a speaker phone.
- Elegant design and perfect as a portable speaker. It masterfully pairs with various devices, and can even pair with two different gadgets at once.
Full Androiduys.com review here.
LuguLake II Charge 10Watt Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – LINK
$7 off LuguLake II Charge Speaker via code KT4EYA96
- Huge 10-watt driver output: LuguLake offers a wide range of highly sensitive speakers that can make a big sound with 2 x 5-watt amplified speakers. The advanced equalization technique allows the stereo audio system to deliver high fidelity sound without any distortion at all.
- 3 in 1: Built-in 4000mAh Li-ion battery allows you to power your smartphones or tablets even if you are listening to music; built-in cradle, the solid and durable cradle firmly holds your tablet or smartphone at a comfortable viewing angle.
- Latest Bluetooth 4.0 allows you to connect wirelessly to the LuguLake II Charge from up to 33 feet away. 3.5mm audio port for non-Bluetooth devices. Seamlessly stream and share music, movies and games anywhere. Easy to pair – No code/pin needed.
- Aluminum material: An aluminum shell gives a premium look and feel to your premium portable speaker.
Full review here.
LuguLake 40watt TV Soundbar – LINK
No discount code required. %50 off MSRP now.
- 2.0-Channel Soundbar: 40W (20W*2) ultra-strong power output brings you a luxurious and grand acoustic feast for your favorite movies, shows, games and music.
- Virtual 3D Surround Sound: Digital signal processing (DSP) system provides high-fidelity sound to give you a truly realistic sound experience.
- Wireless Remote Control: Including a small IR remote control to enable easy operations from a distance, up to 33FT/10M range.
- Various Connection: Latest Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology. Optional RCA and 3.5mm audio jack inputs, RCA audio output. Easily works with any devices you want, such as smart phone, iPad, HD LCD TV and DVD player etc .
- Wall-mounting Design: The soundbar can be placed on a table top or easily hang beneath your wall-mounted flat-panel
Check out these deals and beat the crowds and winter weather.
The post Black Friday deals: Unlocked Huawei phone, watch and a variety of Bluetooth speakers appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Nexus 6P is finally available in Google Stores across Europe
Weeks after the Nexus 6P was offered for sale in the United States, Google is finally making it available to customers across Europe.
Per several Reddit reports, and our own checks via VPN, the three configurations of the Nexus 6P are now listed in the Google Store in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
As for the price, it’s as high as we initially thought. The base 32GB model is €649, the 64GB model 699€, while the 128GB model is 799€. The €649 starting price translates to $690, compared to $500 in the US. That’s a big difference that can’t be explained solely through exchange and tax differences, but that’s the price we Europeans have to pay for staying on the Nexus edge.
It appears that the 128GB model is not yet available for sale, while the availability of the other storage and color combinations may vary from country to country.
Get the Nexus 6P from the Google Store
Europeans have been able to able to purchase the LG-made Nexus 5X from the beginning of November.
Is the Nexus 6P a good deal? It definitely is, in the United States. In our review, Josh was thoroughly impressed with the premium build, great performance, and excellent camera. But it remains to be seen whether Europeans will be able to stomach the engorged price of the Nexus 6P.
So, EU readers? Will you shell out €649+ for the privilege of rocking a Nexus?
Select Nexus 6P units have broken microphones
The Nexus 6P is by no means a cheap phone. Google enlisted Huawei to make a premium device constructed of metal, but it seems that the Nexus 6P isn’t holding true to the $499 starting price. In October, rear panel glass was spontaneously shattering for some people. Quite bizarre, right? At least the most recent issue is very realistic and not nearly as random. The microphone’s functionality, according to multiple posts on the Google Product Forums, is posing a problem. There are owners of the Nexus 6P reporting that the phone’s microphone is not projecting their voice with strength or quality to people on the other end of a call.
Jamie Corbett, one of the Nexus 6P owners experiencing issues with his unit’s microphone, said the following in his post:
“While talking to my wife today she could barely hear me and said it sounded like I was very far away or muffled. This was while I had the headset to my ear like normal. If I put it on speaker, she said it would sound okay. I tried to find others with this issue and a similar issue, but couldn’t. Please help!”
Representatives on behalf of Google have only said that they are investigating the issue. One area that the company could be looking at is noise cancellation and the multiple microphones it takes to enable that. Apparently covering the microphone on the rear of the Nexus 6P alleviates the issue; however, others are discrediting that temporary solution and say it does nothing at all.
Let’s all just hope that Google can fix this through a software update instead of Huawei being forced to recall the Nexus 6P.
Source: Google Product Forums (1) (2) (2)
Via: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Select Nexus 6P units have broken microphones
Black Friday deals: $50 off Huawei P8 Lite and up to $100 off Huawei Watch
Black Friday is right around the corner and all the shoppers are getting ready to raid the stores. Of course, technology will definitely have some of the best sellers next weekend. Are you ready for the craze? Whether you are looking for a mid-end handset or a classy smartwatch, Huawei has your back.
The manufacturer has just announced its Black Friday deals, which will be available from GetHuawei.com, BestBuy.con, Best Buy stores, Amazon, Target.com, Target stores and the Google Play Store.
Black Friday deals
These deals will be valid from November 26th to the 27th, so plan accordingly!
$50 off Huawei P8 Lite
Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Huawei P8 Lite is already a steal at $249.99, but for Black Friday the manufacturer is willing to drop its price by $50!
Granted, the Huawei P8 Lite is not for everyone. The phone only got a 7/10 in our review, but you must also consider the price point it touts, especially if you get it on Black Friday. To its benefit, we really didn’t have much bad things to say about it, either.
See also: Huawei P8 Lite review
The only other important point to note is that Best Buy will only be discounting this phone by $25, so you might not want to go with the popular retailer for this one.
$50-$100 off the Huawei Watch
I don’t use this word lightly, but boy is the Huawei Watch sexy! The only issue is that it’s also one of the priciest Android Wear smartwatches around. This little gadget starts at $349.99. Now, that price is already high, but things can get even more luxurious, depending on which version you go for. The rose gold iteration is the most expensive at $799.
Surely, those looking to get the Huawei Watch would love to get a break, and we are not talking about the bank. For Black Friday, depending on which version the customer picks, you can save anywhere from $50 to $100.
- $50 off Silver with Black Leather Strap
- $80 off Silver with Silver Mesh Band
- $80 off Silver with Silver Link Band
- $100 off Black with Black Link Band
Cyber Monday
Really, the deals look very similar for Cyber Monday, but these are done exclusively online. The only difference is that the Huawei Watch will only be discounted by $50, regardless of which of the above-mentioned versions you pick. Otherwise, the P8 Lite is still $25-$50 off.
The cool part is that this is not really just a Cyber Monday deal. Huawei is extending its offers from November 29th to December 5th.
Are you buying?
Are any of you considering one of these gadgets? The Huawei Watch is a beauty, and the P8 Lite might be a great phone for the casual user. I am going to pass just because I still feel the Huawei Watch is a bit pricey and the P8 Lite doesn’t really meet my needs, but maybe you could find great value in these offers.
See also: Black Friday 2015 – best deals (Updated!)
Otherwise, you can always give our Black Friday Best Deals list a good look and see if anything else catches your eye.
Rose Gold color option added to the Huawei Watch
Arguably the best Android Wear device ever released now has yet another new color option to offer to prospective buyers. On Thursday, Huawei introduced a Rose Gold variant of its smartwatch that has both real sapphire crystal and gold. This Huawei Watch variant comes with a case made of 22K rose gold and an alligator-pressed brown leather strap.
Through Huawei directly, you can get this variant for $699. The company also offers it for $41.87 per month through Affirm Financing. Huawei says that quantities of the Huawei Watch in Rose Gold are limited. So it probably won’t make reach the company’s upcoming Black Friday sale. If you miss out, there is the Nexus 6P-related promotion that’s ongoing.
Come comment on this article: Rose Gold color option added to the Huawei Watch
Gartner: Android and iOS dominate smartphone market with 98 percent marketshare
Android and iOS-powered devices have long dominated the smartphone market, and it’s still clear that the two mobile operating systems show no sign of stopping anytime soon. New data has been released by Gartner, suggesting that Android holds 84.7 percent marketshare as of the third quarter of 2015, which is a 1.4-percent increase year over year. The research firm says Android’s growth is thanks in part to strong global smartphone sales from Samsung and Huawei. These manufacturers make up 23.7 and 7.7 percent of all smartphones sold in Q3 2015, respectively.
Apple’s iOS achieved sizable growth over the past year as well. 13.1 percent of all smartphones sold in Q3 2015 were running iOS, which is a .6-percent increase year over year. Together, iOS and Android make up 97.8 percent of smartphone marketshare. Despite these numbers, Gartner says there’s still hope for Microsoft’s Windows 10 for Mobile. Windows dropped from 3 to 1.7 percent marketshare year over year. It should be noted that Microsoft’s new mobile OS debuts in the U.S. this Friday on the Lumia 950.
Roberta Cozza, research director at Gartner, says:
…we expect Windows smartphone market share will continue to be a small portion of the overall smartphone OS market as consumers remain attracted by competing ecosystems… Microsoft smartphones will mainly focus on driving value for enterprise users.
Related: Google in control: Does Android need to be more like iOS?
In terms of overall sales, nearly 478 million smartphone units were shipped during the third quarter of 2015, which is an increase of 3.7 percent from last year.
To get all of the numbers for this past quarter, feel free to visit the source link below.
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In-house chips may be on the way to LG, Sony devices
LG has been steadily improving its position in the mobile device market thanks to a string of successful smartphone launches over the past couple years. Meanwhile, Sony, while producing devices that tend to be well received, struggles to translate that into sales success. Although they seem to be on divergent paths, the two companies have something in common – they are both mentioned in rumors of a move by smartphone manufacturers to transition to in-house production of processors used in their devices.
The latest rumor swirling around the subject was triggered after Global Unichip, a Taiwan-based chip designer, reportedly received orders for development from “Asia-based handset vendors.” This has prompted some sources to consider the possibility that both LG and Sony may be following a strategy implemented by Apple, Samsung and Huawei, all of whom manufacture chips for their own devices.
Currently LG and Sony depend on “off-the-shelf” processors from Mediatek and Qualcomm for their devices.
Do you think this is a smart move for either company? Does the use of an in-house chip versus a generally available chip sway your purchase decisions any?
source: DigiTimes
via: XperiaBlog
Come comment on this article: In-house chips may be on the way to LG, Sony devices
Huawei ready with special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for U.S. market
Huawei has been patiently waiting to have an impact on the U.S. market for smartphones and wearable devices. The upcoming 2015 holiday shopping season looks like it may finally be time for that move and Huawei is getting ready for it with some special Black Friday deals and some special offers for the following week that kicks off with Cyber Monday. The focus of the specials for the U.S. market will be the Huawei Watch and the Huawei P8 Lite.
For the promotions, Huawei will be offering special pricing through their own on-line web store as well as through the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy and Target, with the latter two offering deals both on-line and at retail locations. For the Huawei Watch, consumers can get anywhere from $50 to $100 off the regular price depending on the particular finish and band they select. The discounts will be available from all of the buying sources. The following week, the discount will be $50 on the versions eligible for a discount.
For the Huawei P8 Lite, which is unlocked and should work on your selected carrier, consumers may want to shop around a bit. Going through Best Buy, Huawei is only offering $25 off on the price of the smartphone. A larger, $50 discount is available if buyers go through GetHuawei.com, Amazon or Target.com and the following week Target retail locations will join the list of options.
You can read Huawei’s full press release below with more details as you prepare your holiday shopping list.
HUAWEI DEVICE USA OFFERS BIG BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Up to $100 off the Huawei Watch and up to $50 off the Huawei P8 lite
PLANO, Texas [November 19, 2015]: Huawei Device USA is offering limited-time Black Friday savings on its latest devices for U.S. consumers, including the company’s first smartwatch, the Huawei Watch.
Consumers will enjoy savings of $50 to $100 off select watch models on November 27 through GetHuawei.com, BestBuy.com, select Best Buy stores, Amazon.com, Target.com and Google Play store. To celebrate Cyber Monday, Huawei will also offer $50 off those same models from November 29 to December 5. Full details of the savings can be found below and atwww.GetHuawei.com/offers-promotions.
Available in the U.S. since mid-September, the Huawei Watch redefines smart by blending timeless, uncompromising design with the functionality of Android Wear™. First and foremost a watch, the device was inspired by classic, luxury watch design and is crafted with sophisticated materials. Six models with stainless steel, black, and rose gold-plated watch bodies regularly range in price from $349 to $799 USD.
Consumers can also receive $50 off the Huawei P8 lite smartphone when they purchase through GetHuawei.com, Amazon.com and Target.com during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion periods.
The P8 lite is an unlocked smartphone that gives consumers the option to choose a phone plan on their preferred network. The P8 lite makes elegant design and premium features more accessible at a price point that doesn’t break the budget.
Both the Huawei Watch and P8 lite are covered under Huawei’s two-year warranty*, so consumers can feel confident about their purchases.
Black Friday Deals – November 26 & 27
Product
Retail Outlet
Offer
Watch GetHuawei.com Best Buy.com
Best Buy (in-store)
Amazon (Nov 27 only)
Target.com
Target (in-store)
Google Play
$50 off Silver with Black Leather Strap $80 off Silver with Silver Mesh Band
$80 off Silver with Silver Link Band
$100 off Black with Black Link Band
P8 Lite GetHuawei.com Amazon
Target.com
$50 off
Best Buy.com Best Buy (in-store)
$25 off
Cyber Monday Week Deals – November 29 – December 5
Product Retail Outlet Offer Watch GetHuawei.com Best Buy.com
Best Buy (in-store)
Amazon
Target.com
Target (in-store)
Google Play
$50 off Silver with Black Leather Strap $50 off Silver with Silver Mesh Band
$50 off Silver with Silver Link Band
$50 off Black with Black Link Band
P8 Lite GetHuawei.com Amazon
Target.com
Target (in-store)
$50 off
Best Buy.com Best Buy (in-store)
$25 off For more information, visit GetHuawei.com/offers-promotions.
*Following product registration at GetHuawei.com.
Come comment on this article: Huawei ready with special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for U.S. market
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