Huawei Launches the TalkBand B3

I’ve been using the TalkBand B2 for a couple of months (a write-up will come soon), and Huawei is announcing the release of their TalkBand B3. This is a pseudo smartwatch, or ‘minimalist wearable device’, that goes on the wrist and tracks steps, calories, sleep patterns, runs and cycling events. This data is then shared via a Huawei app.

The B3 is a hardware upgrade as well as a visual upgrade over the B2. In either the Active, Classic or Elite styles, using higher grade stainless steel and Italian leather for the strap. The same concept of the B2 is in play – a curved screen in a removable module, making it easy enough to charge or change straps. The display is a PMOLED at 80×128 capable of monochrome images and text, and the watch vibrates on notifications with specific apps. As the name ‘TalkBand’ suggests, it can be used to take calls and respond to the caller through the integrated speaker and microphone.

The 91 mAh battery is listed by Huawei as supporting up to 6 hours of calling, a 3-4 day battery life, and a 1.5 hour charge. Currently my B2 can’t go more than a couple of days without a charge, so hopefully this should be an improvement. A feature I like is the ability to set a time period for wake-up: the TalkBand will detect when you are in a light sleep (rather than deep sleep) period and vibrate to wake you up without waking your spouse.

The B3 is IP57 rated, with the Active version available in White/Black for 169 Euro, the Classic in Beige/Brown for 199 Euro, and the Elite in Titanium Grey for 249 Euro. The pricing differential is derived from the color and strap design. At that price Huawei will be competing with some of the cheaper full-Android smart watches, although a trade-off will be utility with battery life.