Huawei unveiled an updated smartwatch at Mobile Congress in Barcelona – the Huawei Watch 2 – which ups the ante in terms of features and performance and that’s also the first to include the Android Wear 2.0 operating system.
The Huawei Watch 2 features a similar timeless design to its predecessor and is available in two versions – sports and classic.
But now it also has its own connectivity with a built-in eSIM card and with room for a nano SIM so it can be used to make and receive calls on its own and without being paired to a phone.
Huawei says this standalone 4G feature that replicates your phone’s number so you can answer your calls on the watch without your phone nearby, will be available in some regions in 2017.
It is unclear if this 4G version of the Huawei Watch 2 will be introduced in Australia because of the inability for carriers to provide two SIM cards that have the same phone number.
On the design front, Huawei Watch 2 has a ceramic bezel and selectable watch faces with adaptable complications.
And you can also change the watchband to any style thanks to Huawei Watch 2 being compatible with standard 22mm bands.
Huawei Watch 2 is also IP68 water and dust resistant so you can take it for a swim.
It also has built-in GPS so you can find your way or map your run with your phone along with an integrated antenna design that includes 4G connectivity, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC so it can also be used to make mobile payments.
Huawei Watch 2 is also an exercise wearable with live GPS mapping, real-time heart-rate monitoring and a workout data report.
It also has a personal coach onboard which lets you choose your fitness goal and offer live advice on what you need to do on your workout whether it’s speeding up, slowing down or stopping.
If you want to dive even deeper, there’s VO2max that supplies a pro level of data like training effect and recovery time.
It has 4GB of internal memory which is enough room for more than 200 songs so you can wirelessly listen to your music right off the Huawei Watch 2.
And with Android Wear 2.0 onboard, that also comes with additional features like Google’s voice activated assistant and the ability to un even more of your favourite apps on your wrist.
Battery life will go to more than two days between charges with average use but if you’re using features like GPS constantly it will be close to 24 hours of battery.
Huawei Watch 2 will be available in Australia in April.
* Stephen Fenech travelled to Barecelona as a guest of Huawei