Walter Ji, President of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group in Europe, yesterday gave his presentation at IFA, and if there’s one thing to take away (there’s more) from his speech, it’s that Huawei holds its European market very close to heart, and in more ways than one.
Seamlessly Connected Living
During the pandemic, data traffic increased across Europe, as total downloads went up by over 60%, streaming hours doubled, and we saw similar increases in music downloads. As far as Huawei is concerned, though, their relationship with the continent extends beyond providing quality gadgets.
When Italy was one of the first countries to be poorly struck by COVID-19, Huawei set up connections between doctors in Italy and China to share their critical information and key learnings.
This exemplifies what Huawei is: “a bridge between China and the rest of the world; not just one or the other”. This relationship is made possible through the 1+8+N strategy: 1 signifies the mobile phone as the centre point; 8 is the number of devices that can connect to this point; and N meaning the unlimited number of products from the “Internet of Things” (any device with smart technology).
Behind the Formula
Ji then went on to explain the key components behind the 1+8+N equation. As mentioned, 1 is the centre point, and this is where Arne Herckelmann came in to help explain. “We have the best camera smartphone in the world”, he says, “and particularly what it means for photography and video experience”. The Huawei P40 Pro uses a 5G AI chip that not only offer 100x zoom, but the AI is methodical in helping users capture the perfect picture.
To show their strength behind number 8, products such as Huawei GT Watch 2, Huawei FreeBuds 3, and their MateBook and MatePad have all won international awards for design and performance. It is this harmony that then enables the N part of the strategy.
With over 800 partners in more than 100 categories, Huawei enables consumers to enjoy innovative new experiences. Keep in mind that all of this is possible due to Huawei massive investment into R & D, an investment that sees them place 5th in the R & D rankings worldwide.
Let’s Get Physical
Whilst many businesses downsized, Huawei is pushing forward with opening new stores across Europe, with eight flagship stores and 42 experience stores planned. To show their commitment to expanding in Europe, not only are they being designed in Paris, but they will, of course, provide more jobs in the tech industry. The goal is to turn such flagship stores into landmarks and provide an experience unlike any other.
Customer-Centric
“All of this happens”, says Ji, “because of our core commitment to our customers, but this commitment means a lot more than just giving them great technologies”. And centre to being customer-focused is a promise that everything they develop, they are proud of and offer top-level security, with world-renowned certificates for security and protection.
Just to show how they’ve dived into having the customer so close to heart, they’ve developed “Story Sign”, an AI that translates children’s books into sign language. It not only helps them read, but also gives them the gift of storytime and storytelling. With several titles and available in 14 different languages, the best part is that it’s free, even on Android and iOS. Add this to Huawei’s investments into dead literacy projects in collaboration with the European Union of the Deaf, and you start to get the full picture of the commitment they have to help all communities grow.
Before We Go
Last but not least, Ji commented on their environmental commitment – 20% less plastic in their product packaging is just the start, as they aim for zero single-use plastics. All in all, Huawei’s ultimate goal is to see Europe thrive as a partner, not as a competitor to China – and if that’s the case, then we’re all for it.
