MWC16: Here Comes The 2-in-1 MateBook by Huawei

The Mobile World Congress 2016 started with a high-end launch of MateBook by Huawei which has initially set the expectations high for the coming days of MWC. Huawei, the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world has a 2-in-1 product that combines the mobility of a Smartphone and productivity of a laptop.

The device, called the Huawei MateBook, will cost from 799 Euros in the European advertise and $699 in the US market. It will be made presented across worldwide markets from April onwards through both retail and e-commerce channels.

Glory Zhang, chief marketing officer of Huawei Consumer Business said “We have decided to launch this product to answer the needs of business users. What makes our MateBook unique are its compatibility and assortment of functions”

The core device of the MateBook is a tablet with a detachable keyboard much like Apple's iPad Pro and runs Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 10. It weighs 640 grams, compared to 713 grams for Apple’s iPad Pro and the 766 grams of Microsoft's Surface Pro 4, both of which are portable tablets known for their lightweight design. It has a 12-inch screen. The Huawei MateBook has a high-density lithium battery, which lasts for 10 hours once fully charged. The product features a sixth generation Intel Core m-series processor aimed at handling the most rigorous business demands.

With collaboration with Microsoft Corp, the MateBook also delivers tools and features offered by Microsoft Corp, including its latest browser, Microsoft Edge, and the Cortana digital personal assistant. "Our collaboration with Huawei offers consumers a new way to experience Windows 10 on a beautifully designed device," said Peter Han, Vice President, Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp. "Huawei appreciates how consumers want to interact with devices, and is bringing a fresh perspective to this space. Our relationship with Huawei is a great example of the growing ecosystem of premium portable Windows 10 devices."

Huawei is demonstrating our industry-leading design and manufacturing expertise by bringing a beautifully crafted flagship product to market that is redefining the new style of business – connected computing across all devices in almost every scenario, "said Richard Yu, CEO, Huawei Consumer Business Group. "Huawei has successfully channelled its comprehensive experience and excellence 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.

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.