14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has indeed invented a new product category with the Surface tablet/laptop, and now more companies are rolling out devices that are part of this new and apparently hot-selling market segment.
Huawei is the latest name believed to be looking at hybrid devices, and a new report claims that next week’s MWC conference in Barcelona could witness the debut of the company’s first such tablet-that-can-become-a-laptop.
Huawei’s CEO Yu Chengdong himself has published online a teaser of what seems to be a new Surface clone that would come with a stylus and run Windows 10.
It’s believed this new device could be the Matebook, a convertible device that can play a dual role: a tablet that transforms into a laptop when a removable keyboard is attached. A stylus would also be offered for easier drawing and writing, with Huawei said to be specifically focused on making this accessory a premium device.
Is there any reason for Microsoft to worry over Huawei’s device?
The short answer to this answer is “certainly yes.” Huawei has evolved a lot in the last few years, and the quality of its products has improved too, with the company now focusing more on offering a premium feel to all its devices.
Living proof is the Nexus 6P, Google’s latest high-end smartphone that’s manufactured by Huawei and that indeed comes with a premium touch positioning it as a strong competitor to other expensive models on the market, including the iPhone 6s Plus.
At the same time, Huawei has another ace up its sleeve: just like other Chinese manufacturers, it can benefit from lower production costs and thus make its devices available at more reasonable prices. It’s not yet clear if the upcoming 2-in-1 device will be sold at such an affordable price, but it’ll definitely be all about premium quality, especially if Huawei wants to compete against the biggest companies in this market.