Huawei Watch Ultimate 2: Strong Features, Weak Finish

It’s been a wild two weeks since the ball dropped, and we’re already witnessing new launches that promise to solve all our technie problems. We set our sights on the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 update, which rolled out with much fanfare. Huawei’s new update, HarmonyOS version 6.0.2009, includes a pair of new health features (much to the envy of Honor), including coronary heart disease screening and heart failure risk assessment. We went on our own quest to seek the truth: Is the new Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 update worth all the tapping hassles?

“It’s truly not the perfect solution out there, but then we know there aren’t any on the market,” a user told Technowize. “What I find appalling is how all companies claim to bring the solution on broad, but by the time the updates roll out, it’s just bare bones of nothing.”

Before we find out more about this Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 update, let’s find out how it truly works.

HOW TO INSTALL NEW HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE 2 UPDATE: 

• To use and test the new feature, users will need to download the Huawei Research app and register in particular research project. 

• After enrolling in the project, users will need to continuously wear a Huawei smartwatch for at least three days for monitoring ECG, SPO2, and vital signs through the built-in Tru-Sense system.

• VOILA!

Wait…What’s In The Huawei HarmonyOS update?

Huawei rolled out a new update to HarmonyOS with several health-focused features. The update will be rolled out in batches, and the first batch has already launched in China. HarmonyOS version 6.0.0.2009 features advanced tools for cardiovascular health risks. Users can integrate the new version via the Huawei Research app. 

After which, they will need to wear a watch for at least 3-4 days. Smartwatch will monitor vital levels, arterial stiffness, ECG, and SPO2, creating a personalised report based on its gathered data. This report will give early warnings and recommendations based on the recent heart health metrics.

Is This Update All About Health Features?

Alongside the cardiovascular tools,  this update has other significant features, like 3D distance compensation, Wheelchair mode, and Real-time cycling cadence.

1. 3D-distance compensation is a feature for bicycle riders that helps them accurately measure path distance on inclined roads or hill slopes.
2. Real-time cycling cadence provides support for outdoor cycling for a more professional cycling experience.
3. Wheelchair mode features a set of exercise and workout goals for wheelchair users. This feature provides a personalised exercise experience to the users.

Issues with Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 users have been complaining about the battery life of the smartwatch since its release. Many users claimed that the battery life of its predecessor models was better, and the Watch Ultimate 2 was a downgrade. While some people face issues with battery life, others face issues with new updates.

Watch Ultimate 2 reportedly shuts down or doesn’t accept charging after installation of new updates. Users have been facing these issues since the release and are hoping for an update that doesn’t kill their smartwatch. While Huawei tests new health and workout features, it also needs to focus on its battery life and integration issues.

Is Huawei Innovating or Merely Competing with Rivals?

Huawei rolling out an update with cardiovascular tools seems more like competition than innovation. The HarmonyOS update was launched in China following the release of the Honor Watch GS 5 watch. Honor is one of the closest rivals of Huawei in the Chinese and global markets. Huawei seems to be following the path of its rival as the Honor Watch GS 5 made its debut with a cardiac arrest screening feature.

While new health features make the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 appealing to consumers, its poor battery life and connectivity issues remain unresolved, which can give its rivals an upper hand.