Huawei Eyes Half of High-end Smartwatch Market in PHL

Telecommunications equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. targets to share half of the high-end smartwatch market in the Philippines as it introduced its first smartwatch as part of its wearables family.

“We’re looking at, hopefully, a good half of the market already for the high-end smartwatches in one to two years,” Huawei Business Unit Head for Mobile Broadband and Wearable Niño Carandang said in an interview.

The Chinese firm launched Huawei Watch, which is compatible with both iOS and Android, in the Philippines. This can receive SMS, e-mail, calendar, applications, and phone call notifications.

“This is the first smartwatch in the Huawei wearable family and is also the first watch on the market that truly bridges the gap between fashion and technology,” Huawei Consumer Business Group Country Manager Charles Wu noted.

“As part of our expanding line of premium wearable products, the Huawei Watch was designed and created to enhance and be part of the consumer’s everyday lives. It is our response to consumers’ requests who are looking for a smartwatch that combines timeless design and truly usable features,” he added.

Moreover, Carandang mentioned that there is huge potential in the Philippines for the wearables technology as the local market is still in its infancy stage for these products.

“It’s in infancy. It’s still young… Because it’s starting we’re cutting each other’s throats in terms of form, factor, features,” he said.

“We pride ourselves that it looks like a luxury watch… We wanted being the only wearable that’s actually worth wearing. That’s our standard,” he added.

Carandang said Huawei Philippines expects to grow double digit in revenue and number of stores next year.

Its revenue for this year rose by 106 percent from 2014 mainly due to increased retail presence, entry in multi-brand stores, and partnering with telecommunications companies, he said. (PNA) JMC/KMC