News & Reviews:   Huawei TalkBand B2

The Huawei TalkBand B2 is one of the nicer looking smartbands in the Malaysian market, with the gold and silver versions looking more like bracelet jewelry than fitness trackers. Like the TalkBand B1 before it, the TalkBand B2 also transforms into a Bluetooth headset. Priced from RM558 the TalkBand B2 offers a number of features asides from the usual fitness tracking as well. We managed to get some hands-on time with the Huawei TalkBand B2 smartband which you can see in our hands-on video in this article.

The successor to the Huawei TalkBand B1, the Huawei TalkBand B2 is finally here and we have to admit that we're quite excited about it. While there are many smartbands out there, the Huawei TalkBand smartbands are the only ones that can be detached and transformed into Bluetooth headsets. In addition, the new TalkBand B2 also offers a more premium design with brushed metal highlights, metal construction and slimmer yet sleeker design. Check out our unboxing video to see what else comes in the box with the Huawei TalkBand B2.

Celcom is currently offering the Huawei P8 from RM438 on their FIRST by Celcom postpaid plans. This includes the new FIRST Basic 38 plan, FIRST Basic 85 plan and FIRST Elite plan with options for 12 months and 24 month contract subscriptions. While the sleek all-metal Huawei P8 is already quite affordable at a retail  pricing of RM1799 the Celcom bundles should offer a bit more value if you're looking for a total package. The FIRST Basic 38 plan for example lets you carry forward unused Internet and an additional 2 movie passes by Escape with an extra RM10 every month. In addition, if you're one of the earlybirds who sign up at the ongoing Huawei P8 roadshow, you could also get a Huawei TalkBand B2 smartband for free. Check out the tables in the article for more details.

Huawei has officially launched the Huawei P8, P8 Lite, TalkBand B2, Y3, Y5 and T1 in Malaysia and all of them will be available for purchase starting from today. Pricing for the P8 remains a very competitive RM1799 while the P8 Lite is going for RM899. The TalkBand B2 Classic comes in at RM558 while the TalkBand B2 Elite will go for RM668 with both being available on VMALL.my. The Huawei Y3 is priced at RM249, the Y5 for RM339 and the T1 for RM649. Everything should be available at all Huawei authorized stores from today. As part of the launch, a roadshow is currently being held in Pavilion showing off the Huawei P8, P8 Lite and TalkBand B2 so you can check them out up close and personal. Try out the light painting feature on the P8 first hand at their booth and in addition, if you purchase the Huawei P8 during this roadshow you will also get a free flip cover and 30% discount on the Huawei TalkBand B2. There are also other activities like a lucky draw and social media contest as well. The roadshow will continue until Sunday, 21 June 2015. Check out our hands-on pictures and videos of the devices on display below.

The Huawei TalkBand B2 is set to appear in Malaysia. [Update] Currently available for with a 30% discount voucher as part of a pre-order bundle with the Huawei P8 for RM1799, the new and improved smartband and fitness tracker still transforms into a bluetooth headset just like its earlier predecessor, the TalkBand B1. However, instead of the plastic exterior of the B1, the B2 offers a curved screen and metal body for a tougher and more stylish design. We're quite excited about it finally making its way to Malaysia but for now you can see our live demo hands-on of the Huawei TalkBand B2 in this article.

The Huawei P8 was officially launched today for the South Pacific Region, which also includes Malaysia. The premium flagship smartphone features an all metal frame with curvy corners and equally premium looks. It takes a step further than than the previous Huawei Ascend P7 and Ascend P6. While Huawei have definitely made the design their own, it is difficult not to draw comparisons with the Apple iPhone 6. However, at 6.4mm the Huawei P8 is both thinner and flatter with no protruding rear camera. Featuring a new RGBW 13MP rear sensor with optical image stabilization, the P8 is sensitive and accurate enough to capture light painting, a clear indication of the low-light capabilities that the P8 offers. The Huawei P8 is due for a Malaysia release date in June with a pre-order bundle coming with [Update] a 30% discount voucher for the TalkBand B2 at just RM1799. Check out the other tech specs and our hands-on of the Huawei P8 below:

• 64-bit 2.0GHz octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 930 processor
• 3GB RAM
• 16GB storage
• 5.2-inch display (full HD, 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution)
• 13MP rear camera (OIS, RGBW sensor, DSLR-level Image Signal Processor, F2.0, dual color temperature flash) + 8MP front camera
• supports dual SIM 4G LTE, GPS, Bluetooth 4.1+LE, WiFi b/g/n
• features wind-suppression anti-noise mic, dual antenna design
• 2680 mAh battery
• 144.9 x 72.1 x 6.4mm | 144g
• Android 5.0 Lollipop + EMUI 3.1

Featuring a straight and curvy metal frame, the Huawei P8 looks beautiful with chamferred edges, a polished metal frame and super thin profile. First impressions are that it is a beautiful smartphone with a very sturdy frame and light design. In the Q&A sessions, Huawei reiterated their passionate stand on creating useful features for consumers with coming smartphones and devices offering value and innovation in conjunction with their 'Wei To' marketing campaign to pioneer new value for consumers. While we may not see any 16MP or 20MP cameras, Huawei are dedicated to creating a DSLR experience with their smartphone cameras, perhaps by creating sensors that will let in more light in the future. This applies to displays as well, as they are also intent on creating more innovations with full HD displays as according to them, quad HD or 2K displays only suck up battery life and bring no value to the consumers. We'll be looking forward to seeing what else this may bring, like perhaps super resolution or interpolated picture modes and even better battery life but for now, Huawei will also be bringing their Huawei P8lite and TalkBand B2 to Malaysia in June 2015. 

After the previous Huawei P8 teaser indicating a better battery life, more such teasers have appeared indicating other new features. These include a cracked screen image indicating a stronger screen on the P8, a better camera, a better price and compatiblity with wearables like the recent Huawei TalkBand B2. Perhaps the last image could also indicate that the Huawei P8 gets released along with the Huawei TalkBand B2. So far, the teasers do not confirm anything but most rumours indicate that the P8 will offer tech specs that include a  octa-core Kirin 930 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.2-inch full HD display and 13MP camera with dual LED flash and OIS. Set for announcement on 15 April 2015, we shouldn't have to wait long to find out for sure.

Apart from all the wearables like the Huawei Watch and TalkBand B2, Huawei have also announced their Huawei CarFi. While it looks like any other car plugin MP3 player it instead offers a WiFi hotspot that can deliver up to 150 Mbps of 4G LTE Cat4 connectivity for up to 10 devices. It can even charge your mobile device and can be transferred to different vehicles with minimal fuss. Huawei actually put it into on the spot field testing by offering it in 400 branded vehicles for the MWC 2015. Here's what they had to say about it:

“At Huawei, we aim to be one step ahead in providing great technology that meets connectivity needs in every aspect of life. As a leader in mobile broadband delivering next-generation LTE networks, Huawei devices such as Huawei CarFi Make it Possible for people to enjoy the freedom of connectivity on the move. Automotive connectivity, known in the industry as telematics, is a significant trend that will provide safety, convenience, and infotainment in the future.” Steven Liu, Vice President of Mobile Broadband and Home Product Line, Huawei Consumer Business Group. 

Designed to be power-saving for your car as well, the CarFi automatically turns off when no WiFi compatible devices are around. Nor does it overheat thanks to a built-in self-regulating protection function. While it looks good with a checkered wood and carbon fiber exterior, it is fairly easy to use with a single "on" button. It can also be remote controlled via Android and iOS devices through the Huawei Hilink app. No news yet when we may see the Huawei CarFi or any specific Malaysia release dates and pricing details, but it could eventually reach us through Huawei Malaysia.

Taking over from the Huawei TalkBand B1, Huawei have officially announced the Huawei TalkBand B2 smartband and TalkBand N1 stereo headset. Just like the previous TalkBand B1, the TalkBand B2 pops off of the strap and can be used as a Bluetooth headset. However, it now sports a more premium aluminum alloy body, thinner strap and 0.73 PMOLED touch screen but still retains an IP57 water and dust resistance rating. It still tracks your health and sleep. Other tech specs include a 6-axis sensor, 5-day battery life on standby, 30.6g to 32.2g weight, Bluetooth 3.0 support and dual-mic reduction. Compatible with iOS and Android devices it will come in black, silver and gold. The TalkBand N1 is a wireless stereo headset without a strap. Instead it acts like any other bluetooth dual earphone headset but offers 4GB of storage, a microphone and comes in grey, red and silver. No news on Malaysia release dates or pricing but they both look great and we can't wait to get our hands on either of them. Check out the videos of the Huawei TalkBand B2 and TalkBand N1 in this article.