Highlights –

  • Honor and Microsoft shake hands to develop revolutionary Artificial Intelligence (AI) and end devices.
  • Honor will use Microsoft’s cloud computing and AI technologies for its products.
  • Microsoft was the first business partner to sign a deal with Honor after it became an independent company.
  • Honor’s MagicBook V14 will be one of the first laptops to launch with Windows 11.
  • The tech giants are working on building future integration options for Windows and Android.

Honor, a leading global provider and manufacturer of smart devices, and Microsoft have decided to expand their partnership in their bid to pursue a more innovative experience for end-users. Both the tech giants will work together to develop revolutionary Artificial Intelligence (AI) and end devices. Both also aim to create advanced technology strategies to support Honor’s “1 8 N” strategy worldwide. Perse, they will collaborate on Microsoft cloud adoption, personal and mobile computing as well as other technologies.

The partnership will enable Honor adapt Microsoft’s cloud computing and AI technologies in its products. According to the MoU signed by both companies, memorandum signed by the two companies, Honor will adopt AI speech and AI translation services based on Microsoft Azure. These services will help to support HONOR’s Smart Assistant YOYO, collaborative office, smart travel, life services, smart translation, and other such areas. The collaboration will also help HONOR expand globally using Microsoft’s resources, technical skills and global reach. Moreover, Microsoft will also help HONOR enhance the user experience for mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart screens, watches, earbuds, and other gadgets.

Moving forward, both HONOR and Microsoft will continue to explore the future opportunities of integrating Windows and Android to enhance the ecosystem experience for even more user scenarios and experiences, such as workplace collaboration.

Long term deals

When HONOR became an independent company, Microsoft was among the first businesses to partner with it. Last year in December, the former announced its plans for cooperation with Microsoft on a  global scale. This is when the HONOR PC adopted Windows 10 as its official operating system worldwide.

Microsoft is all geared up to launch the next generation of its operating system with Windows 11. The new Windows calls for improvements in productivity, creativity, accessibility, gaming, and entertainment performance. HONOR has enhanced the hardware, performance, and operating experience of its latest PC products accordingly, so that they better serve the features of Windows 11. Although the friendship between Honor and Microsoft is not new, the deepening of the partnership will help their relationship grow stronger.

Expert view

At the signing ceremony, George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd., said, “HONOR is committed to a consumer-focused approach and best-in-class product development for our customers. With a strong belief in openness, collaboration, and innovation, we will work closely with our global supply chain partners across the industry to create a seamless customer experience with our technology capabilities, market insights and innovation in research and development. HONOR and Microsoft will continue to strengthen the strategic partnership and develop solutions that can incorporate different software and hardware technologies for different user needs. We are confident that HONOR and Microsoft will work together to establish a link between end devices and environmental standards to create a new intelligent world for all. ”

Dr. Hou Yang, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft GCR, said, “In the era of new normalcy, all parts of the world and all areas of life are accelerating the digital transformation. With the increased presence of hybrid operation and ambient intelligence, users expect greater comfort, security and better interaction from their portable devices, systems and applications, both at work and home.”

He further added, “Microsoft hopes to accelerate the integrated development of software and hardware intelligence by continuously deepening and expanding strategic cooperation with HONOR, to provide end-users with a better user experience, but also to present worldwide innovations in Asia with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.”