AI Central to Huawei's Game-Changing Innovations
Huawei has returned to the professional running sector with its Now is Your Run global product launch, held in Madrid, Spain.
The event unveiled several new devices, including the flagship HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 – the company's first professional running watch in five years – alongside a range of products aimed at advancing health, fitness and mobile performance capabilities.
The launch also saw Huawei announce two-time Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge as Global Ambassador for the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner, indicating the company's renewed commitment to professional sports technology and human performance innovation.
"Running means much more than running fast," Eliud says. "I believe that running is the most beautiful activity on every level.
"Together with Huawei, we can reach millions of runners around the world and hopefully impact their lives in a beautiful and positive way."
Five years of R&D
The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 represents one of the key announcements from the launch and embodies five years of research and development.
The smartwatch features a new 3D floating antenna architecture, which could enhance signal precision and reduce interference – a capability that could prove valuable for data-driven athletes.
Huawei has integrated an intelligent positioning algorithm for the first time, allowing the device to continue calculating route and distance even during brief GPS connectivity losses. The watch's Intelligent Marathon Mode provides a comprehensive experience for training and race-day management, essentially offering what could be described as a personal coach on the wrist.
The product remains accessible to recreational runners. While designed with professionals in mind, athletes across all abilities could benefit from the device's AI-guided training insights.
Eliud adds: "I am passionate to share my opinions and perspectives to improve the smartwatch experience not just for elite athletes but for runners all around the world."
Wearable line-up receives upgrades
Alongside the GT Runner 2, Huawei announced enhancements across its wearable range. The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 is now available in a new Green edition, extending the company's presence in the premium fitness device market.
While retaining full diving certification and outdoor durability, the smartwatch introduces golf-specific functionality, which could improve accuracy and feedback for driving range and on-course performance.
Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series combines a lightweight design with a larger, higher-resolution display for improved readability in bright conditions. The Band includes continuous health monitoring, activity tracking and smart notifications, positioning it as a wearable companion for everyday wellness management.
Flagship mobile and audio innovations
Within its mobile portfolio, Huawei unveiled the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. The flagship demonstrates Huawei's research and development capabilities, featuring a True-to-Color Camera system and a distinctive Dual Space Ring Design that blends modern and classic visual elements.
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is enhanced with 2nd-generation Kunlun Glass and advanced AI processing capabilities, engineered to deliver more precise imaging, improved durability and seamless user interaction.
Huawei completed the showcase with the introduction of its first mini tablet, the HUAWEI MatePad Mini. Featuring an 8.8-inch display and ultra-thin design, it could offer portable productivity for professionals requiring a lightweight device for reading, document work or entertainment while travelling.
In audio technology, the new HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 introduce what Huawei describes as the industry's first dual-engine AI noise cancellation. Combined with a dual-drive acoustic system, the product could enhance frequency precision and preserve vocal depth, demonstrating the brand's direction towards more adaptive and intelligent listening experiences.
According to Huawei, the product line-up aligns with the company's broader brand proposition "Now is Yours", which emphasises inclusive, user-centred innovation. This event's theme—Now is Your Run—extends that philosophy into health and sports technology. Huawei appears to be positioning itself to merge AI-powered precision with human pursuits of performance and wellbeing, reinforced through its partnership with Eliud. The company says it aims to continue "using warm products and sincere communication to enable more people to enjoy a healthier and more vibrant life through technology".
