?During Huawei’s press event at the CES 2017 in Las Vegas, the company revealed that its latest Mate 9 smartphone would be available in the US starting Jan. 6. The smartphone will come with a re-installed voice-interactive app with access to Amazon’s Alexa.
With Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant installed, users will be able to automate tasks such as setting alarms, making to-do lists, and checking the weather by issuing simple voice commands. According to reports, Alexa’s appearance is the first on an Android smartphone that serves as an alternative to much more established S-Voice and Google Assistant, Phone Arena reported.
Huawei stated that Alexa would provide users a natural, convenient user interface in getting information and performing tasks. Those who have already purchased the Huawei Mate 9 will be getting over-the-air (OTA) updates for Alexa. The company added in the press statement that they are in collaboration with Amazon to further develop a rich voice activated consumer experience.
Huawei Mate 9 Pro and Porsche Design Mate 9 supports Google Daydream
The Huawei Mate 9 Pro, along with its more expensive counterpart, the Porsche Design Mate 9, joined other devices that gave support to Google’s Daydream platform. Both Huawei models have the formidable horsepower to provide seamless VR due to its HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor and 5.5-inch 2560 x 1442 QHD displays, according to 9TO5Google.
Additionally, the Huawei Mate 9 Pro carries the Mali-G71 graphics processor and to power the device up, it comes with a 4,000mAh cell that can easily outlast Apple and Samsung devices, power wise. Sadly, the regular Huawei Mate 9, that made its debut in the US very recently, will not be treated to Daydream support for unclear reasons.
Meanwhile, alongside its new phones, Huawei is working on a Daydream-ready headset for a later launch. The Huawei VR headset will reportedly sport an adjustable focus making it usable without eyeglasses, as well as providing a 95-degree field of view.
Check out the Huawei Mate 9 Pro at the CES 2017 in the hands-on video below.
