MWC 2016: Huawei unveils 2-in-1 MateBook

Feb 22, 2016, 14:05
MWC 2016: Huawei unveils 2-in-1 MateBook

The company, which recently made a splash in the US with the launch of the Nexus 6p, announced a Surface Pro-like 12-inch Windows 10 tablet with a keyboard cover and an optional pressure-sensitive stylus and dock during its MWC keynote today. Speaking of which, Huawei has crammed in a resolution of 2160x1440 pixels inside a 12-inch LCD panel. Featuring an aluminium body and a 12in display with 84 percent screen-to-body ratio, it's a pretty impressive device - in terms of design, anyway.

Huawei claims that the MateBook's 33.7Wh high-density Lithium battery can last up to nine hours of work and continued Internet use. Huawei is touting "near-notebook" key travel, but the keyboard still flexes and bounces in the middle when you type with any force.

Ars Techica's Mark Walton, in the meantime, says the issue with the tablet's keyboard is there is no spacing between the keys.

The device is made of aluminum unibody and features a strong protective. It features an elastomer tip, which is said to be the first of its kind and it comes with 2048 levels of sensitivity, but it is also a laser pointer and projection clicker too.

Sony Xperia Ear and Eye, Projector and Agent
There's no mention of what processor the Xperia XA uses but we assume it's another Snapdragon, possibly the Snapdragon 625. There will be an optional carrying carrying case that will charge the device on the go if you do need more battery life.

The Matebook keyboard is sold separately - an odd choice for a product so obviously designed as a hybrid.

The stylus can be used as a remote for PowerPoint presentations and even comes with a laser pointer. Moreover, this stylus also has an eraser function. That's the fingerprint sensor (clever!).

Accompanying the MateBook is the MateDock, a USB Type C dock that includes a VGA output, USB outputs, and Ethernet that comes wrapped up in a colour-matched case. Surfaces and iPad Pros are great devices, but also expensive.

Although MateBook is being launched later than other comparable tablets, Zhang said it is no cause for concern because Huawei's strategy is to bring to market products once the technology involved can best satisfy consumer needs. These will be running on Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 accordingly.

Two NYPD officers and suspect injured in Brooklyn shootout
The two wounded officers were possibly shot by friendly fire , and an investigation is underway, according to the paper. During an exchange of gunfire, the two officers, both plainclothes and assigned to anti-crime, were hit, police said.

First and foremost, the MateBook is a 2-in-1 device, which means that it's essentially a tablet that can double as a laptop, or vice versa.

Inside the device is an Intel Core m-series processor and up to 8GB of RAM. It is paired with either 4 or 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and a 128/256/512GB SSD stores your data.

The new MateBook was unveiled by Huawei CEO Richard Yu inside in front of more than 1,000 media representatives who had gathered at the venue, located adjacent to the iconic Fira "Magic Fountains" where Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe famously duetted in 1987.

The company says the device will go on sale in Asia, Europe, and North America in the coming month, but we weren't able to pin down an exact date. Word has it, however, that it will be released in these regions of the globe sometime next month. Storage options will vary but will start from around $699 (Rs.49,000), and herein lies the true appeal of the device. The keyboard will be $129, the MatePen $59, and the MateDock $89.

Camera boost, virtual reality in new Samsung, LG gadgets
With Samsung's VR gadget, the smartphone is inserted at eye degree and turns into the headset's show, growing the load on the top. LG hasn't announced the price and release date for these lovelies yet, but we imagine we'll learn this information soon.

The S7 has a 5.1 inch screen with a curved glass back, while the S7 Edge has a 5.5 inch screen which is curved at its left and right sides and is one of the narrowest "phablets" around.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  • 4.5G and 5G tech to feature at MWC

    4.5G and 5G tech to feature at MWC

    The much awaited Xiaomi Mi5 is going to be launched at MWC and according to the rumors, we can expect a powerful device. However, there is a high chance that either one of the devices will be released at MWC 2016.
    Samsung, LG focus on better cameras, VR to help reignite smartphone sales

    Samsung, LG focus on better cameras, VR to help reignite smartphone sales

    It's part of LG's new modular approach to design; you'll be able to pop out the phone's bottom and swap in new hardware features. In addition to being offered at Cricket's retail locations, the handset will be offered on the pre-paid carrier's online store.
    Apollo 10 astronauts reported hearing odd 'music' on far side of moon

    Apollo 10 astronauts reported hearing odd 'music' on far side of moon

    Two months before Apollo 11 landed two men on the moon for the first time, the crew of Apollo 10 - Commander Thomas P. The three astronauts experienced the weird noises for around an hour despite being out of radio contact with Earth.
  • Oil climbs as Iran endorses output cap

    Oil climbs as Iran endorses output cap

    Javadi said Iran had already reached an agreement to export oil to France, Russia and Spain. Kuwait, another Gulf OPEC member, signaled it was willing to go along with the Doha plan.

    Six dead in random MI shootings, suspect in custody

    At about 22:00: Tyler Smith, 17, and his father, Richard, 53, are shot and killed outside the vehicle dealership. He said Dalton was in contact with someone during the shootings, but would not disclose who.

    Gov Snyder addresses plan to replace lead pipes in Flint

    Republicans say it's more important to do the job right, and money for replacing lead pipes will be in future budgets. Other resources could also be tapped for additional funds to replace pipes, he said.
  • Van Gaal doubts Man United's top-4 chances after latest loss

    Van Gaal doubts Man United's top-4 chances after latest loss

    United's share price dropped from $14.50 (£10.05) to $13.86 on Monday morning. But van Gaal said he would not reach out to the former Chelsea coach himself.
    Saudi Arabia halts military aid to Lebanon for siding with Iran

    Saudi Arabia halts military aid to Lebanon for siding with Iran

    There was no immediate confirmation of the report, and it was not clear if it was related to the Saudi decision. Additionally, the Shiite population maintains the powerful Hezbollah militiat which is backed by Iran.
    Thousands Rally for Former Officer Convicted in Stairwell Shooting

    Thousands Rally for Former Officer Convicted in Stairwell Shooting

    Content Preview This content is exclusive for Optimum, Time Warner, Comcast, customers with access to News 12. But Kimberly Ortiz, 31, of the Bronx, said it's "unbelievable" that anyone would rally for Liang.
  • Harper Lee laid to rest at private funeral in Alabama hometown

    Harper Lee laid to rest at private funeral in Alabama hometown

    In November 2007, she went to the White House to accept a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Harper Lee was laid to rest Saturday in a private Alabama ceremony attended by relatives and close friends.
    Centenarian meets the Obamas during dream White House visit

    Centenarian meets the Obamas during dream White House visit

    Ms McLaurin's visit comes in the midst of Black History Month , celebrated annually in the USA each February. In 1941, she moved to Washington , D.C. where she has resided ever since.
    HSBC 2015 Profit Nearly Flat, Sees Bumpier Environment Ahead

    HSBC 2015 Profit Nearly Flat, Sees Bumpier Environment Ahead

    The bank also confirmed being among a number of financial institutions under investigation by the U.S. Earnings in the fourth quarter, however, could fall over 60 percent year on year to a US$2 billion.
popular