Huawei's Vision eyes high-end Android market
The Huawei Vision is a high-end Android Gingerbread smartphone with a 3D interface and a 1GHz processor.
Upmarket Huawei phones are rare on U.S. retail shelves, but the Huawei Vision, announced today in Beijing, may just provide that glimmer of light for Android enthusiasts looking for something new.
Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Vision also touts a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 processor, a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, and 720p HD video capture and playback. In addition, Huawei reaches for style points with the Vision's more premium-looking hardware design, a unibody chassis made from an aluminum alloy, with a curve in its design. It comes in rose gold, silver, or charcoal color. Angry Birds and other apps and games come preinstalled.
The real feature Huawei is trying to sell is the handset's 3D interface, consisting of 3D panels on the home screens.
"The unique 3D user interface heralds...a new era in Huawei's leadership, as we continue to create devices that enhance the user experience through stylish design and smart functionality," Victor Xu, chief marketing officer of Huawei's devices arm, said in a statement.
3D technology is just starting to poke its way into phones, for instance with the 3D games and photographic features on the LG Thrill 4G and the Samsung Evo 3D. Here, the Vision is less ambitious, restricting the 3D experience to the home screen design. I, for one, look forward to seeing in person if the souped-up graphics add to the experience. While the Vision's specs aren't absolutely top-of-the-line, there's definite promise.
The Huawei Vision will come to selected global markets in September. There's no telling yet if the U.S. will be one of them.