HUAWEI HONOR Band Zero: a circular new smartwatch

HUAWEI is tenacious, to say the least. Despite the fact its existing wearable, the HUAWEI Watch hasn’t even been released yet, the company is already anxious to start spreading the news of yet another time-telling-trinket:

While absolutely nothing is yet known about this product, there are a couple of points which can be deduced from the pic:

1. The device will be thin and round. Round is sound, and it’s particularly interesting to see how many OEMs have opted for the form factor since the advent of the Moto 360 (which had a “flat tire” as many accuse it). HUAWEI seems to be going for a clean, disc-shaped structure here sans any form of physical buttons along the circumference. It’s possible there will be a flush, physical button along the side of the device facing down, but as the watch looks quite thin, it’s more likely there will be some form of button on the underside.

[related_videos title=”smartwatches” align=”center” type=”latest” videosnum=”6″]

2. The device will come with a textured, standard-type rubber(ized) band. Unlike the LG Watch Urbane LTE which has a very “rugged” band and adjustment mechanism, the HONOR Band Zero looks to be much more of a traditional watch in every sense of the word. The texture on the band gives the device a certain sense of style that would otherwise be lacking like on say, the Apple Watch Sport.

It will be interesting to see just how HUAWEI plans to position this device given that it already released the Color Band line which can be seen above. The Color Band series is much more in-tow with standard fitness bands. In theory, the Band Zero could actually use the large watch display as nothing more than a stat screen, with no actual Android Wear connectivity (more on that later).

The product is clearly taking on a very different aesthetic than the company’s last smartwatch, seen above. Whereas the HUAWEI Watch has a large, “manly” presence complete with physical buttons on the sides, the new one seems to be aimed at either a more casual user, or perhaps consumers who might not want such a rugged product. The HUAWEI Watch is also vaguely similar to the design of the LG Watch Urbane, however the HONOR Band Zero looks to be of a much more unique shape.

One large question at hand is just what OS the product will run when it lands. While HUAWEI has been more than receptive of Google’s Android, and indeed opted for Android Wear in its upcoming HUAWEI Watch, that adherence to Mountain View has caused some problems in the OEM’s home territory. Indeed the product is rumored to be delayed into 2016 for the Chinese market due to its use of core Google services, the likes of which many are unavailable in China. While Android Wear is a safe bet, should HUAWEI be able to design a custom-OS for the product, chances are it would be keen to use it.

What are your thoughts on the HONOR Band Zero? Does it look appealing to you?