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| Huawei's AI Pet can engage the user through a chatbot. |
Move over, Tamagotchi. There’s a new digital companion in town, and it’s fuzzy, full of AI, and fits on your keychain. Huawei has officially unveiled its adorable Huawei AI Pet, a charming gadget that blends plush toy aesthetics with sophisticated chatbot technology, aiming to offer a dose of digital companionship and emotional support.
A Personality in Your Pocket: Design and Personalization
First things first: this gadget is undeniably cute. Resembling a tiny, armless fluffball with stumpy legs and a convenient carry loop, the AI Pet is designed to be a tactile, portable friend. It launches in three cheerful colors—sunny yellow, sky blue, and sophisticated grey—to match any style.
But the real fun begins with personalization. Owners can deck out their digital pet with a variety of micro-accessories, including tiny spectacles, hats, and ribbons. This isn’t just about looks; it’s the first step in making your AI Pet feel uniquely yours.
For those eager to see the available styles and accessories up close, you can find the official product page on Huawei's Vmall store here. It showcases the full range of customization options that make each unit special.
Eyes That Speak: Interaction and Emotional Intelligence
The soul of the AI Pet lies in its two circular display eyes. These aren’t static; they animate and change expression based on your interaction. The device is packed with built-in speakers and microphones, enabling two-way conversation.
The magic happens through integration with a dedicated chatbot app on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5. This AI isn’t just answering questions; it’s programmed to perceive and adapt to your emotional state. Speak to it in an excited tone, and it might respond with equal enthusiasm. Sound a little down, and it will offer comforting words in a softer, more empathetic tone.
Your Mood Diary, Automated
One of the most intriguing features is the AI Pet’s memory. It records your conversations (with user consent, within its ecosystem) to build context for future chats, allowing for more meaningful interactions over time. Furthermore, it automatically compiles a "mood diary" within the app, tracking emotional trends based on your interactions. It’s a unique, automated form of reflective journaling powered by your daily chats.
Built for Daily Companionship
Huawei positions this device primarily as a source of companionship and emotional support. Its form factor supports this mission perfectly. Measuring a compact 8.2 x 8 x 6.8 cm and weighing a mere 140 grams, it’s truly pocket-sized.
Battery life is solid for a device of its nature. Huawei promises six to eight hours of active use on a single charge, translating to about two days of typical interaction before needing a plug. Recharging the 1,800 mAh internal battery takes approximately six hours via the included USB cable.
Price, Availability, and What’s in the Box
The Huawei AI Pet is currently available in China for a retail price of ¥399 (approximately $57). A crucial detail for potential owners is that a subscription is required to unlock all AI features, though every purchase includes the first three months for free.
Inside the box, you’ll find the AI Pet itself, a USB charging cable, a small brush for grooming its fuzzy exterior, and a carry strap. As of now, Huawei has not announced any plans for a global launch outside of China.
The Verdict
The Huawei AI Pet represents a fascinating step in consumer tech: moving beyond pure utility or entertainment into the realm of emotional connection. It’s a gadget that doesn’t just want to serve you; it wants to understand and keep you company. Whether it becomes a beloved digital pal or a novel curiosity will depend on how deeply users connect with its empathetic AI. For anyone in China looking for a tiny, tech-powered companion, this fluffball is ready to chat.
