HONOR CEO George Zhao is set to deliver a keynote today focusing on the future of AI PCs and the possibilities they hold for the industry
HONOR, a global leader when it comes to smart devices, has brought a number of innovations to IFA this year. The company is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating “a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services”. With an unwavering focus on R&D, HONOR is constantly developing technology that empowers people around the globe to get to the next level, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. IFA International spoke with HONOR CEO George Zhao about the company’s presence at IFA this year, the latest innovations, and how he believes the industry is changing.
HONOR is launching a number of new products at IFA this year. Why was this a strategic choice? What role do you believe the show plays within the industry?
IFA is the leading technology event in Europe, offering a prime platform to showcase our innovations. Last year, HONOR delivered the opening keynote at IFA, which was a tremendous success, reinforcing the event’s significance in the industry.
Can you tell us about some of the new innovations HONOR is presenting?
HONOR is introducing the Magic V3, the thinnest foldable smartphone on the market. It boasts a range of innovative features and integrates HONOR Super Armored Inner Screen and HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield to endure the strain of daily use. We are also incorporating advanced AI capabilities using Google Cloud AI.
In addition to a number of other innovations, this year at IFA we are also introducing the Honor MagicBook Art 14, a notebook with a revolutionary and ultra-slim design.
With the aim of creating a groundbreaking laptop that sets new standards for lightweight design and durability, the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 takes lightweight innovation to new levels. Incorporating the industry-first Topology Lightweight Structure, this laptop features a Heterogenous Battery Design and is constructed from cutting-edge materials. Its alloy body is made of magnesium, while the keyboard is crafted from durable titanium, resulting in a significantly lighter build compared to traditional materials without compromising on its durability.
How do AI PCs enter into HONOR’s vision for productivity and connectivity?
HONOR has always had a popular lineup of PCs. The MagicBook Art 14, with its lightweight design of just 1 kg and a thickness of 1 cm, helps enhance mobile productivity. It offers longer battery life and supports Copilot with a suite of AI features for efficient work. The MagicRing connectivity feature bridges the gap between Windows and Android devices, enabling seamless collaboration across compatible devices with features such as Intelligent Email Management, Data Insights & Visualization, and Real-Time Transcription & Summarization. With MagicOS 8.0.1, users can benefit from a smooth experience thanks to a wide range of intelligent features including Multi-screen Collaboration, HONOR Connect, HONOR Notes, and Global Favorites.
HONOR is dedicated to unlocking creative potential while prioritising user privacy through human-centric design philosophy. For example, the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 features a modular camera which comes with a detachable, magnetic design that enhances privacy and versatility, empowering users to customise their setups and allowing them to pursue their creative projects.
The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 is the perfect choice for both productivity and entertainment, all within a sleek and convenient design. This makes it particularly suitable for students and professionals who need a durable yet portable device for their daily tasks.
What’s next for HONOR? What are your priorities in terms of technical development and market expansion?
Our focus is on AI and innovation. As one of the first companies to integrate AI into smartphones back in 2016, HONOR laid the groundwork for AI-reconstructed operating systems with the initial Magic series. We propose a 4-layer AI architecture, combining on-device and cloud AI experiences to empower users. With foldable smartphones, we continuously break our own records through pioneering technology.
An exceptional audio-visual experience
As a global provider of smart devices, HONOR is constantly adapting its offer to consumers’ changing requirements. Mr Zhao underlined that “HONOR stays close to consumers and understands the challenges they face.” He went on to explain that the brand uses AI to empower hardware, offering innovations like AI Defocus and AI Motion Sensing Capture and Harcourt Mode on the HONOR Magic V3. Features such as Face to Face translation and AI eraser, developed incorporating Google Cloud AI, provide enhanced performance for daily use.
The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 for example has been adapted to meet consumers’ needs in terms of audio-visual excellence. The AI PC provides an exceptional audio-visual with the 14.6-inch HONOR FullView Touch Display, equipped with industry-leading eye protection, including 4320 High-frequency PWM Dimming, Dynamic Dimming technology, and E-book Mode. It also boasts an impressive 97% screen-to-body ratio, ensuring a safe and enriching viewing experience. The laptop also features AI-enhanced HONOR Six-speaker Spatial Audio, comprising four woofers and two tweeters, ensuring exceptional audio quality without distortion. Enhanced by a sophisticated bidirectional microphone with AI noise reduction, these components work together to deliver an audio system that significantly raises the laptop’s performance standards, which, according to the brand, is exactly what users today are looking for.
The Convergence of AI and ARM: Shaping Tomorrow’s PCs
Held by George Zhao, CEO HONOR
6 Sept., 2024 – 2:00p.m.
CityCube-A, Innovation Stage