The upcoming launch of the HUAWEI P30 Series on March 26th, 2019 (March 27, New Zealand time) at the Paris Convention Center has the internet buzzing. The Huawei P Series has been shaking up the smartphone industry for the past two years with its groundbreaking smartphone photography features. The photos we’ve seen so far tease the super zooming capabilities of the P30 Series – something that has created excitement amongst fans, but what else will the device include?

There has been speculation on what will be included in Huawei’s latest offering, but a week ahead of the launch, Huawei is thrilled to reveal some facts as to what can be expected, as well as a look back at the incredible journey of the P Series that has led them to launch the highly anticipated P30 Series.

Huawei P10

The Huawei P Series truly hit its stride in 2016. In the launch of the P9 Series, Huawei officially announced the partnership with Leica to develop the most advanced smartphone camera in history, starting with the first ever dual Leica camera built within a phone.

Huawei took a step further with its P10 Series by improving the device’s phoneography quality, as well as offering superior low-light photography with the ability of the lenses to pick up more light. The front camera on the P10 is also equipped with a Leica lens to capture great selfie portraits.

In 2018, the P20 and P20 Pro achieved the revolutionary breakthrough by offering triple Leica rear cameras, a concept that has since been offered by competitors. The setup has also seen the P20 Pro topping the DxO Mark Mobile list for months, eventually sharing the crown with the Mate 20 Pro.

Huawei P20 Pro

Looking ahead, Huawei has ambitiously declared its intention to rewrite the rules of mobile photography with the HUAWEI P30 Series. The new P30 will feature a sophisticated design and will continue to write the future of imaging technologies. The new flagship devices will set a new standard for videography and will launch consumers into a new era of smartphone photography with the first mobile “Super Camera Phone.”

The P Series stands as the flagship smartphone series of Huawei and has international prestige since the launch of its first-generation device, the Ascend P1 that was introduced in 2012 in Canada. The subsequent generations have been launched in other prominent global stages such as London, Barcelona, eventually settling in Paris for the latest launch in the series, the P20 and the upcoming P30.

Huawei P30

Paris has always been one of the most popular subjects if photography and is home to some of the earliest inventions of cameras. That’s why it is the perfect destination to launch the P30 Series and highlight the incredible photography capabilities and advancements in the wake of the infamous P20.

Huawei is eagerly anticipating the launch of the P30 Series as it will mark another chapter in the illustrious history of smartphone evolution and will no doubt continue on the success of Huawei’s P Series devices.

The post Looking back @ HUAWEI P Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Huawei has announced the release of the EMUI 9.0 update to Huawei smartphone users in New Zealand following the launch of its latest flagship smartphone chipset Kirin 980. Based on Android Pie that was introduced earlier this year, the new OS update will introduce a customised next generation user experience.

“We are excited to launch this new update in New Zealand. As one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in the global market, Huawei’s latest EMUI 9.0 update contains the newest features to make the user experience on the Mate 10 and P20 Series even better than before” says General Manager of CBG Huawei New Zealand, Gavin Cheng.

The enhanced UX and high-speed performance of EMUI 9.0 enable an unmatched OS for Huawei phones that are intuitive and simple. EMUI 9.0 is now available on Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei P20, Huawei Mate 10 Pro and Huawei Mate 10. The beta version will be available on Huawei Nova 3i, Huawei P10 Plus and Huawei P10 to users who register to join using the HiCare application.

The EMUI 9.0 achieved another milestone with a wide range of incredible features. With a concept to ‘enable a quality life’, this unique user interface (UI) system is improves the usability and experience through the numerous breakthroughs, including the following highlights:

Offering up an enhanced and intuitive user experience with seamless gesture navigation to streamline and optimise the smartphone experience, Huawei has introduced a new and improved gesture-based navigation system for an even more intuitive navigation experience. The gesture-based navigation gives users the ability to swipe either left or right for a seamless ambidextrous experience. Additionally, Huawei has redesigned apps such as the world clock and photos to implement advanced single-handed control features, allowing users to easily control apps from the top to the bottom of the screen without overextending their thumb.

The EMUI 9.0 update reduces the number of setting items by 10 per cent, taking it from 940 to 843. This makes it easier for users to enable all location services with one touch, instead of enabling GPS, WLAN, and mobile location services separately, streamlining the process and saving time. Reducing the number of items has ultimately led to a more superior user experience.

EMUI 9.0 brings nature into the home of Huawei users by incorporating nature-inspired sounds. All new alarm ring tones include natural ambient sounds ranging from the sound of water flowing to birds chirping. EMUI 9.0 leverages the Smart Colour Picker to improve the contrast and vibrancy of the UI as well as the readability of text, creating an immersive and natural experience. The new system focuses on a faster and smoother animation, minimising the possibilities of lagging between the usage of different apps and functions.

The update also includes features that are designed to improve quality of life when it comes to smartphone usage. Colors & Eye Comfort offers options for a paper-like viewing, a customized viewing, or an Eye Comfort viewing for more comfortable reading at night. The update also comes with a variety of settings to achieve true digital balance with the ability to access a comprehensive break down of their screen time, as well as how often users unlock their devices. Users also have the ability to set boundaries with the option to restrict screen or app time without limiting the device from performing essential tasks such as Messaging and Dialer.

Speed is everything to Huawei and that is reflected in the EMUI 9.0 update. Not only is Huawei one of the first handset makers to launch a custom OS based on Android Pie, but the new system also boasts a smoother performance with 12.9 per cent improvement from its predecessor.

The app launching time has also shortened by a noticeable amount. It can launch popular apps such as Instagram 12 per cent faster and Spotify 11 per cent faster as well.

One of the heavyweight features of EMUI 9.0 will be its GPU Turbo 2.0 technology, the second generation of Huawei’s innovative graphics processing acceleration technology. GPU Turbo 2.0 can enhance touch controls in games and works in tandem with the App Assistant feature to deliver a smooth, premium mobile gaming experience. These features all allow for a more efficient user experience while operating the phone.

EMUI 9.0 is now available on Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei P20, Huawei Mate 10 Pro and Huawei Mate 10. People with Huawei Nova 3i, Huawei P10 Plus and Huawei P10 will be able to register for the EMUI 9.0 update by the end of March 2019.

Updating to EMUI 9.0 can be easily done by following the below steps:

1.  Find the Huawei HiCare application
2.  Check the “update” in QUICK SERVICES.
3. Register to join EMUI 9.0

The post Huawei Release OS update to Mate 10 & P20 Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Technology giant Huawei is now the world’s second-biggest smartphone manufacturer by sales, surpassing Apple for the first time, according to the latest results from Strategy Analytics. Huawei shipped a record of 54 million units in Q2 2018, increasing its global market share ahead of Apple to 15.5 percent.

Huawei’s midrange models such as the new nova range are the main driver for the sale increases along with the company’s ongoing investment in cutting edge research and new manufacturing techniques.

Since launching in the New Zealand market in 2005, Huawei has shown an increasing commitment to Kiwi consumers and the local economy as the first and only smartphone manufacturer to offer te reo Māori as an operating language on devices.

Demand for Huawei’s flagship devices has also increased in New Zealand. Sales of the new HUAWEI P20 Pro, launched in April 2018, have already trebled that of the HUAWEI P10 sales figures, demonstrating the demand from Kiwi consumers as Huawei continues to grow in the market.

“The popularity of the HUAWEI P20 series shows that Kiwi consumers are becoming more familiar with the brand and are attracted to the high-end features the device delivers, such as the world’s first triple-lens rear facing camera,” says Andrew Bowater, Deputy CEO of Huawei New Zealand.

“New Zealand is an extremely important market for Huawei and we will continue to invest here to grow, deliver the best service and strive for innovation by bringing our best phones to New Zealand consumers,” states Bowater.

Huawei P20 Pro

To further immerse itself in the New Zealand market, Huawei announced Kiwi sports stars Nehe Milner-Skudder and Jordie Barrett, as well as Roy Krishna and Tom Doyle of the Wellington Phoenix as local ambassadors for the HUAWEI P20 series.

Furthermore, Huawei hosted a free all ages music festival on SKYCITY’s Federal Street earlier this year. The all Kiwi line-up included SACHI, SWIDT, Kings, Chores, JessB and Jetski Safari who took to the stage to celebrate the New Zealand launch of its flagship consumer phone.

Recognising the importance of local talent and how Kiwis resonate with popular personalities, Huawei continues to use talent such as Anika Moa, Stacey Morrison and Kings to promote latest product launches.

Huawei has continued to expand here and around the globe with its commitment to innovation as the driving force behind its performance increase. Investments in technological advances serve as a cornerstone of Huawei’s expansion and has contributed to the growth of Huawei compared with its competitors.

In 2017, 80,000 Huawei employees worked in R&D and the company strategically invested USD $28.3 billion (NZD $19.25 billion) in innovation.

Huawei nova 3e

“The benefits of Huawei’s global R&D are felt in the New Zealand market,” says Bowater. “We’re able to deliver high-end devices with features we believe exceed that of our competitors, to the hands of Kiwi consumers, with specialised offerings, such as the te reo Māori operating language.”

To introduce the best technology, Huawei has built long-term partnerships that combine expertise to set unmatched benchmarks in the industry. To develop the best smartphone camera, Huawei partnered with Leica to allow them to create algorithms and artificial intelligence fields to bring smartphone photography to a new level. Through this partnership, Huawei introduced the first ever triple camera on the HUAWEI P20 Pro that took the highest score of the mobile review from DxOMark.

Huawei will continue its strategy to strategically invest in innovation and remain a global leading tech company. The company will put forward new and advanced technology to gain preference and trust from consumers across New Zealand with a goal to ultimately become the leading smartphone manufacturer here and abroad.

The post Huawei Surpasses Apple in Global Smartphone Market Share appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Your smartphone is an investment. It’s also an extension of your being.

We always have our smartphones with us, in our pockets, our bags, in our hands constantly where ever we are and where ever we go.

This of course means that there is a huge potential for our beloved digital friends to get damaged, because we humans are a clumsy lot.

Olixar make phone cases to protect our fifth limb. Actually they don’t just make cases, they make protective shells for your smartdevice, designed for both light and rugged use.

Our friends at Mobile Fun and Mobile Zap, who are now taking pre-orders for Olixar Samsung Galaxy Note9 cases, sent us an Olixar Raptor Premium Smartphone Case for the super phone – Huawei’s P20 Pro.

Hands down, the P20 Pro is a premium android based phone and a device that you would want to protect. Olixar’s Raptor Premium case does exactly that, in mech-like style.

Red and black, the hard polycarbonate and plastic backing is engraved with mechanical like accents and grooves with the upper top featuring a grill pattern. Cool is understatement. Fake bolts placed in the three corners finish off that industrial effect very nicely. This case also has a flip out stand so you can place landscape on to a surface and watch media freely.

The retractable stand is probably where the sore point of this Premium case resides. It is plastic, and a thin plastic at that. So I can imagine this getting broken if you got a little rough with your flipping the stand out.

The inner is a hard wearing and soft rubber which hugs your P20 Pro and makes the handset fit snuggly into it’s protective reinforcement.

The Olixar Raptor Premium case from Mobile Fun is bigger than, say, a silicone case, so for some, might be a bit bulky.

While this case would be ideal for any users – I feel it is certainly slated to those gamers out there, those that love a good SciFi film, or, I guess, anyone who wants serious protection of their beloved P20 Pro and look super killer at the same time.

WANT TO OWN ONE OF THESE CASES? ENTER NOW!

The post Olixar Raptor Premium Phone Case Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Huawei is set to solidify its position within the top tier of smartphone manufacturers with the release of its highly-anticipated HUAWEI P20 series.

The HUAWEI P20 Pro features the world’s first Leica triple camera and both devices include unprecedented AI advances, combining technology and art to bring to life a groundbreaking smartphone experience. The HUAWEI P20 is available in stores for New Zealand customers on Friday 13th of April 2018, while the HUAWEI P20 Pro will be available for pre-order on Friday 13th of April 2018 and in stores on Friday the 4th of May 2018.

Building on concepts first introduced in the groundbreaking HUAWEI P10 Series and introducing the Leica triple camera system for the first time, the new HUAWEI P20 Series delivers the world’s most advanced camera system, a new generation FullView Display and 3D glass screen, and built in AI systems for the best user experience yet. The handsets are designed to look and feel beautiful, too, with the silky-smooth devices available in a sleek Black and Midnight Blue for New Zealand consumers.

The HUAWEI P20 Series delivers ‘Master AI’, which makes capturing professional quality images a truly effortless experience for everyone. With real-time scene and object recognition, the superphone recognises specific photographic scenarios and automatically adjusts for optimal results. With the shot taken, it automatically grades images and highlights your best shots. The selfie has never enjoyed such popularity, with AI beautification and AI image stabilisation, every P20 selfie is a winner.

“In the age of intelligence, our customers are asking for solutions that improve their lives every day. Photography has become one of the key features for the modern smartphone and by focusing AI on this function, we’ve delivered a superphone that will exceed all previous expectations and redefine the capabilities of the handheld device,” says Gavin Cheng, general manager, Consumer Business Group Huawei New Zealand. “The HUAWEI P20 Series takes a flagship position in our range of devices. It’s another leap forward in our mission to drive superlative user experience that puts Huawei in a class of its own.”

The HUAWEI P20 Series introduces an advanced new camera system, which brings consumers features that ultimately enhance every part of the smartphone photography experience. The HUAWEI P20 Pro features a Leica triple camera with the highest pixel count available on a modern smartphone – the camera configuration is comprised of a 40MP RGB sensor, a 20MP monochrome sensor, and an 8MP sensor with telephoto lens. It also features an exclusive new Leica colour with a dedicated ISP and color temperature sensor for better colour reproduction.

With f/1.8, f/1.6 and f/2.4 wide aperture to capture crisp, clear details with perfect clarity, the HUAWEI P20 Pro also includes a brand new Leica VARIO-SUMMILUX lens with 3x optical zoom to capture long-range photography of up to 5x Hybrid Zoom as well as a highly sensitive image sensor of 1/1.7 inches model (about 7.76mm x 5.82mm) to capture low light images photos with up to ISO 102400.

The HUAWEI P20 builds on the foundation of its predecessor, with an all new Leica dual camera featuring a 12MP sensor with a pixel size as high as 1.55 μm, and a 20MP monochrome sensor, enhancing the HUAWEI P20’s ability to capture photos in low-light settings.

Both the HUAWEI P20 Pro and HUAWEI P20 support six-axis stabilisation and 960fps super slow motion, which is four times higher than the standard 240fps and captures details that cannot be seen with the naked eye. With Ultra Snapshot mode, both devices can capture an image in as little as 0.3 seconds by just double clicking the down volume button, even from an off screen.

In addition, both the HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro feature a 24 MP selfie camera with AI beautification and 3D portrait lighting – the result is beautiful selfies with healthy-looking skin tone adjustments, delicately outlined face details, and realistic 3D feature enhancements.

The HUAWEI P20 Series’ Kirin 970 processor and dedicated Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU) enable truly effortless photography. AI-powered scene and object recognition can identify more than 500 scenarios and objects in 19 different categories and automatically selectsphotography modes and camera settings to deliver incredible, professional-looking images. Brand new to Huawei’s advanced camera system is 4D predictive focus, which predicts and focuses on moving objects with extreme efficiency to capture minute detail.

AI-Assisted Composition provides intelligent suggestions to frame group shots and landscapes, and AIS (AI Image Stabilisation) steadies handheld night shots for incredible pictures without a tripod.

The HUAWEI EMUI interface 8.1 (based on Android 8.1) delivers premium performance and a smooth user experience. EMUI is fully customisable with AI support and includes HUAWEI Share 2.0 to seamlessly share files between Huawei phones, PCs, and Macs.

Additionally, the HUAWEI HiAI Ecosystem enhances a variety of app experiences. For instance, the HUAWEI P20 Series includes on-device Prisma processing, which supports real-time filter recommendations based on scene and object recognition – the calculation speed is three to four times that of the cloud version.

In partnership with Google, the HUAWEI P20 Series supports Google ARCore delivering advanced AR capabilities.

The HUAWEI P20 Series includes the best Bluetooth audio quality with 990 kps bandwidth to support Hi-res audio files. Like the HUAWEI Mate 10 Series, the HUAWEI P20 Series features TÜV Safety Certified HUAWEI SuperCharge and a 4000 mAh battery on the HUAWEI P20 Pro – and 3400 mAh (typical value) on the HUAWEI P20 – with AI-powered Battery Management.

The 5.8-inch screen HUAWEI P20 and 6.1-inch screen HUAWEI P20 Pro feature ultra-thin bezels and impressive screen-to-body ratios for better viewing experiences with more on-screen information, whether reading or gaming. The HUAWEI FullView Display seamlessly blends with rounded edges, making the device comfortable to hold and beautiful to view. Both models are available in a striking Black and Midnight Blue finish for New Zealand consumers.

With steady growth for six consecutive years, the HUAWEI P20 Series is expected to further drive consumer enthusiasm for powerful, unique devices. The HUAWEI Consumer Business Group recorded a YoY growth of 30 per cent and achieved revenues approximately 36 billion USD, with smartphone shipments exceeding 153 million units. In 2017, global smartphone market share reached 10.4 per cent (IDC, 2017), ranking third globally; share of high-end market (USD 600 and above) grew from 3.4 per cent in December 2016 to 8.4 per cent in December 2017.

SPECS & PRICE:

The post Introducing the HUAWEI P20 Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.