HUAWEI WATCH FOR RUNNERS

- Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is a professional running watch. We launched the first generation five years ago, and have since used the time well to research which features runners actually want, says Sofia Björnerfors at Huawei to the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

We meet her on February 26, at the global launch in Madrid. Travel and accommodation are paid for by Huawei.

- We have teamed up with Eliud Kipchoge, who is the only person in the world to have run a marathon in under two hours, and the dsm‑firmenich Running Team. The goal has been to develop a watch that gives professional runners everything they need. If we make them happy, we make all runners happy, says Björnerfors.

Although the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is developed for high-level runners, according to Björnerfors, the watch will suit a broad target group.

- This watch will be a good support all the way, for all runners, she says to the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

4,700 kroner

The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 has a recommended price of 4,700 Norwegian kroner and will be available from selected retailers from March 23.

During the launch in Madrid, the Nordics are represented by a large delegation of customers and journalists.

- The Nordics are a very important market for this watch. We are active people who like to move, where many actively use nature. The product therefore fits our markets very well, says Björnerfors.

She refers to statistics from the Strava training app.

- Here, Norway is particularly high when it comes to the number of users in relation to the population. These are absolutely fantastic numbers, says the Nordic PR and marketing manager.

Björnerfors highlights the marathon mode as one of the most important new features.

Holistic training

- It is developed together with Kipchoge and helps you when you set a goal. It doesn't have to be a marathon; it can be any race or another challenge you want to complete, says Björnerfors and elaborates:

- The watch creates a training plan for you, and the plan becomes smarter when you enter more measurements, such as stress levels, sleep, and dynamic recovery. It's about getting a holistic training structure, not just running more.

The plan can include both strength training and variation.

- Becoming a good runner is not just about clocking more kilometres. It's about training smart and having the right balance. You get good help with this watch, says Björnerfors.

She also says the physical design is an important purchasing argument.

– The entire watch body is made of titanium to reduce the weight. It weighs only 43.5 grams, and that is extremely light. You don't want a heavy watch when you're running, says Björnerfors.

Good GPS coverage

She also highlights the antenna solution.

– The entire watch case functions as a floating antenna. This makes GPS positioning very precise. This might not be the most exciting topic, but all runners want accurate data. You need a good GPS for that, and you get it in the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2, says Björnerfors.

She will not confirm whether the marathon mode will later be available for other models.

– It is now available in our new running watch, so we'll see what happens next, she says.

– What position does Huawei hold in the Nordic watch market?

– Our market shares have increased significantly in recent years, thanks to many campaigns, good visibility, and strong partnerships. Today, we are a clear number four in the Nordics, and it's a long way down to number five, says Björnerfors.

Smart and training

In some countries, Huawei ranks even higher.

– In Finland, we are often in the top three. We have had a very positive development, says Björnerfors.

She particularly highlights an event organised by the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

– That one of our products was last year's Christmas gift of the year in Norway was the crown jewel. It means a lot to us as a company, says Björnerfors.

– What do you want retailers to think about Huawei?

– That we stand for quality. We are technically innovative and often come up with new features and solutions. Many manufacturers are either good at smart features or the training aspect. What is unique about us is that we are very strong in both areas, with premium materials and good prices, says Björnerfors.

Huawei Mate 80 Pro

During the launch in Madrid, Huawei also showcases a new Mate mobile. The company was riding a wave of success in the Nordic mobile market, but this abruptly and brutally ended when the USA placed the company on its 'Entity List' in May 2019. This means that American companies, including Google, were prohibited from collaborating with Huawei, so new mobiles do not get Google apps, Play Store, or official Android updates.

– We have fantastic phones, and we would love to sell them again. But, we have to accept what we cannot influence and rather focus on what we can do something about, says Björnerfors and continues:

– Many still use our P30 model, several years after launch. It shows how highly customers value our phones. When we get a solution that is good for consumers, I don't think the step back into the market will be large, she says.

Huawei Band 11

Huawei is also launching the fitness band Huawei Band 11, which will be available in March for 1,000 kroner.

– For those who want a simpler solution, Band 11 is a very good alternative. It is a budget product, but it includes GPS, a hundred training modes, and good measurements of sleep and health, says Björnerfors.

She says the market for simpler products has changed.

– The sale of fitness bands is not the same as it was five years ago. We are technically mature in the Nordics, and many want more advanced products. But of course, there are consumers who manage just fine with a simpler alternative. The most important thing is to ask yourself what you will use the product for, she says.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5

Huawei is also launching Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5, available in March for 2,900 kroner.

– These are our high-end earbuds, right at the top of the segment. We now have a position in wearables that allows us to focus more on headphones as well, says Björnerfors.

- Are audio products a focus area for you in the Nordics?

- We are a small Nordic organisation. Now that we have established ourselves strongly in watches, we can focus more on audio going forward, says Björnerfors.