During the global launch of the P40 Series, Huawei unveiled EMUI 10.1, introducing more capabilities enabled by its distributed technology to enrich the user experience.
Connected IoT
First introduced in EMUI10, distributed technology is the cornerstone of Huawei’s all-scenario ecosystem. Hardware capabilities are virtualised and shared among all connected devices, breaking down the barriers between individual products to enable seamless collaboration. EMUI 10.1 now builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, introducing new features such as Huawei’s very own video conferencing app, MeeTime and more Multi-screen Collaboration capabilities to let users take better advantage of multiple devices at once. The brand is also working with a range of partners to expand the connected ecosystem, so as to allow more devices to work seamlessly together and benefit consumers in more scenarios.
UI Improvements
Scrolling now reacts to user inputs with a new physics-inspired friction-slide effect. Similar to how objects in motion gradually decelerate as they lose their momentum to friction, the scrolling animations now also slow down before coming to a natural stop. The acceleration model is developed based on human factors research, ensuring that the animations behave just as users would expect.
Swiping inwards from either side and pausing bring out the sidebar. Apps inside the sidebar can be dragged across the screen to initiate Multi-Window. Images, text, and even files can be dragged from one app to another. The Floating Window feature allows users to perform basic tasks such as responding to text messages without exiting the active full-screen app, so users can stay focused on their tasks at hand.
Multi-Device Control Panel
This feature provides a unified platform that lets users see every connected device in their proximity at a glance. Connecting one device to another is as easy as tapping on the corresponding button on the menu. Available by swiping up from either corner, the panel can be used to turn IoT devices on or off, set up smartphone screen projection, initiate Multi-screen Collaboration and more.
The Multi-Device Control Centre also intelligently recommends nearby devices that can be used to improve the current user experience. For instance, when a user is listening to music on Huawei Music with a Huawei Sound X nearby, Multi-Device Control Panel will suggest switching audio output to the smart speaker to get better sound quality.
Huawei MeeTime
EMUI 10.1 also introduces Huawei MeeTime, the brand’s all-scenario video calling app. Supporting up to 1080p Full HD video calls between Huawei devices, MeeTime takes full advantage of the integration between Huawei’s software and hardware to deliver a high-quality video call experience. Brightness enhancements and beautification algorithms are built into the application to optimise video quality in low-light conditions. Optimizations are also made to enable it to deliver a smooth video call experience even in less optimal network conditions. Additionally, there is a screen sharing option for easier collaboration. Third party cameras such as Drift action camera can also be wirelessly connected with a Huawei smartphone running EMUI 10.1 and be used as an external Huawei MeeTime camera to bring new experiences to video calls.
Multi-Screen Collaboration
New capabilities have been added to Multi-Screen Collaboration with distributed technology, allowing users to leverage more MateBook peripherals to better use Huawei smartphone applications. After a quick setup process that involves just a simple tap, users can now make or pick up video or audio calls through the Huawei PC without switching screens. The distributed technology enables users to use the PC’s camera and microphone as though it was connected to the smartphone. Users can also use native PC applications to directly open files or hyperlinks on the smartphone and take advantage of better hardware and the converged app ecosystem for improved productivity.
Huawei Share
Huawei Share on EMUI 10.1 supports high speed file transfer between two Huawei devices. It now also supports third-party products.
New Voice Assistant
Say Hi to Huawei’s voice assistant, Celia, who is arriving with EMUI 10.1 for international markets. Wake up the voice assistant by holding down the power button for one second or saying “Hey Celia”.
Celia has a range of abilities to help users get things done. The deep integration grants Celia access to the device’s hardware and AI, enabling the voice assistant to support object identification, media playback control, text messaging, face-to-face translation, calorie scanning, and more. Celia can speak English, French, and Spanish at launch, and will be rolling out to the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Columbia in the first phase, with more countries to come in the future.
Cross-Device Photo Gallery
With the distributed file system, Gallery now aggregates all media saved across Huawei smartphones and tablets running EMUI 10.1 that are connected to the same Wi-Fi AP network and logged in under the same HUAWEI ID. The search feature covers all aggregated media for users to easily find the photo or video that they are looking for, no matter on which device it is saved.
