HUAWEI TO LAUNCH WORLD’S FIRST 5G-ENABLED 8K TV This Year

Huawei Technologies is deciding to branch out of its smartphones, wearable devices and PC business into high-end consumer electronics according to a new report by Nikkei Asian Review. The company is reportedly aiming towards launching a 5G-enabled 8K television as early as this year. The TV will be enabled with a 5G modem, possibly made in-house, a source close to the development told Nokkei Asian Review.
If the report is to be believed, this will be Huawei’s first project into the television hardware industry and the 8K 5G connected TV will be the first of its kind in the world. At present, most smart TVs are Wi-Fi equipped for internet access, but a 5G-capable television will make sure that Huawei’s TV supports the next generation of network technology.
It is believed that Huawei could source 8K panels from Chinese display-makers like BOE or China Star Optoelectronics, however, Samsung is still the largest vendor of 8K OLED displays.

With its potential to connect to 5G networks, The Huawei TV could provide ultra-fast video downloads, quality streaming experience and 360 degree views of content like sports. At MWC 2019, we saw how 5G will enable 360 degree sports-watching experiences, allowing users switch camera angles while they watch content like cricket matches. The Huawei 5G TV could also allow virtual reality experiences.

While the Huawei 5G 8K TV would not require fiber connectivity or broadband, it will need telecom operators to back the network infrastructure. Huawei does make 5G network equipment also and that will work in the company’s support of closing off the ecosystem loop. The company is also the 2nd -largest TV ship supplier in the world, so it already has experience in that area of the business. Huawei already has its own 5G-enable chipset called balong 5000, which also powers its foldable phone Huawei Mate X.