Huawei launches first smartphone to connect to China's rival to GPS

[beijingwalker]

Huawei launches first smartphone to connect to China's rival to GPS​

PUBLISHED WED, SEP 7 20222:34 AM EDT
Arjun Kharpal@ARJUNKHARPAL

Huawei launched a flagship smartphone that it claims is the first device that's able to connect to China's Beidou global navigation satellite system.

It comes as the company seeks to remain relevant in the mobile market after U.S. sanctions crippled its mobile phone business.

The Chinese technology giant took the wraps off the Mate 50 smartphone on Tuesday, alongside the MatePad Pro tablet and Watch GT 3 Pro smartwatch.

Huawei's Mate 50 boasts an updated camera with 4 lenses arranged in a circle on the back. The phone also runs Harmony 3.0, the latest version of Huawei's self-developed operating system, which was first released in 2019 after the company wascut off from using Google's Android software due to U.S. sanctions.

The Mate 50 also does not have connectivity to super-fast 5G networks after U.S. sanctions cut off the company from the key chip required for this. Instead, the phone connects to previous generation 4G networks.

However, Huawei claims this is the first smartphone released to the public that can connect to China's Beidou satellite networking. Beidou was completed in 2020 and is a rival to the U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System (GPS), which is widely-used across the world.

Connectivity to Beidou means users can still send messages even when they lose connection to a terrestrial mobile network, for example, if they're in a remote area.

The Mate 50 went on pre-sale in China on Tuesday and the starting price is at 4,999 yuan ($718), with the higher-spec Mate 50 Pro starting at 6,799 yuan ($1,006).

Huawei is trying to retain relevance in the smartphone market after U.S. sanctions, which cut the company off from key components and software and crushed its business. Huawei was once the number one smartphone player in the world, but now holds a very small share of the market.
The company is hoping its other products such as the tablet, smartwatch and other accessories can pick up some of the slack.

Huawei's EV push​

But Huawei, which rose to prominence through its telecommunications equipment business, has pivoted to new growth areas over the last two years, including software and cloud computing.

More recently, Huawei has been building out an automotive technology business with a focus on electric vehicles. But the Shenzhen, south China-headquartered firm is not manufacturing cars. Instead, it is partnering with automakers and providing the technology in various parts of the vehicle.

On Tuesday, Huawei launched the AITO M5 electric vehicle in collaboration with Chinese automaker Seres. The car contains Huawei's Harmony OS operating system for the digital cockpit and infotainment system and includes a computing system to adjust the torque of the vehicle. Huawei said it helps to improve the control of the vehicle.

A number of Chinese technology firms, including search giant Baidu and smartphone maker Xiaomi, have entered the electric vehicle market to grab a slice of the pie in the fast-growing EV market.

Huawei has already launched cars alongside Chinese state-owned automakers BAIC and Changan.

Huawei launches first smartphone to connect to China's rival to GPS

Huawei launched the flagship Mate 50 in China without 5G internet connectivity after U.S. sanctions cut off the Chinese tech company from key components.

www.cnbc.com

 

[BHAN85]

Beidou tx connectivity to send data means that your phone can be always hacked secretly by Beijing, no matter if you operator use Huawei core network or not.

Smart move, but I guess western states will ban those devices.

Do you imagine would happen? Just one of that device in a western sensitive zone, and Chinese secret services can secretly jump from SATCOM to local 5G/Wifi/Bluetooth of other near devices.

 

[Hack-Hook]

Beidou tx connectivity to send data means that your phone can be always hacked secretly by Beijing, no matter if you operator use Huawei core network or not.

how , the phone is supposed only be able to send data over beidu network not recieve data from it

 

[BHAN85]

how , the phone is supposed only be able to send data over beidu network not recieve data from it

Any GNSS with Beidou supported receives data from Beidou.

Just put a backdoor, a "buffer overflow" bug, send a special firmware update to a given device, and that's all.

It's like a sat network, slower than 5g, but universal, no matter what use your provider, your device will be always under the CCP shadow.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Smart move, but I guess western states will ban those devices.

Do you imagine would happen? Just one of that device in a western sensitive zone, and Chinese secret services can secretly jump from SATCOM to local 5G/Wifi/Bluetooth of other near devices.

Well I think China still bans Iridium satellite phones and SpaceX hasn't gotten any approval to offer Starlink in China so why are we so special when it comes to bans?

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Countries With Satellite Phone Restrictions​

Bangladesh​

Possessing a satellite phone is illegal in Bangladesh and can lead to jail time. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh with any questions.

China​

It’s illegal to have a satellite phone in China, and many other GPS devices are also deemed suspicious. If you’re traveling to China, consider using your regular phone – cell phone service and Internet access are both good in China, even in remote areas, and you can easily order a China SIM card before your trip. Note that many websites you usually use may be blocked, like Google and some social media platforms. Contact the Chinese Embassy with any questions.

Cuba​

Many electronics are forbidden in Cuba, including satellite phones. You cannot bring or ship a satellite phone into Cuba unless you have a permit from the Cuban Ministry of Informatics and Communications. Cuba restricts the use of satellite phones because they’re seen as tools for subversive purposes; being caught with one can lead to arrest, time in prison, or an espionage charge.

India​

In India, only satellite phones using the Inmarsat network are allowed, and you must get permission before your trip from the Department of Telecommunications. If you’re caught with an unapproved satellite phone, you may be arrested.

Libya​

In 2011, Libya banned satellite phones made by the Thuraya company; if you’re caught with one, you could be arrested for espionage. Currently, though, the law is unclear and subject to circumstance, so it’s best to contact the Embassy of Libya for more information.

Myanmar​

Myanmar (formerly called Burma) had a long period of unrest under a military government. In order to prevent information leakage, most communication means were disabled. After the military ruling was replaced with democratically-elected leadership, many reforms were made to those restrictions. For the most current satellite phone laws, contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before traveling.

Nigeria​

Satellite phones were banned in Borno after militants were found using their phones to plan attacks. Currently, the law about satellite phones throughout the rest of the country is unclear. It’s best to contact the Consulate General of Nigeria with questions.

North Korea​

Satellite phones are banned in North Korea, and a number of devices are subject to monitoring and search, as there is no right to privacy in North Korea. Note that the United States government has posted a travel warning against North Korea. Find more information about traveling to North Korea here.

Republic of Chad​

This landlocked country in Central Africa is undergoing a constant threat of terrorism, which has caused satellite phones to be deemed illegal. If you’re found with a satellite phone, confiscation of the phone as well as an arrest are possible. Nobody is able to get a permit for a satellite phone under any circumstances. Contact the Embassy of Chad with any questions.

Russia​

While Russia allows satellite phones, you have to get approval ahead of time and you also must register your SIM card. SIM card registration will be active for six months. Contact Roskomnadzor for more information.

Sri Lanka​

Journalists and other media personnel can have their equipment, including satellite phones, cleared in advance. A license from the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is required.

Sudan​

A majority of electronic devices are restricted in Sudan, so it’s best to ask specifically about satellite phones when applying for your visa. Also be prepared for your devices to be taken by customs and held indefinitely for inspection. Before traveling to any foreign country, including the ones listed above, it’s important to research the most current laws regarding satellite phone usage. A country’s current political situation or a state of unrest can affect communication laws, and restrictions can change frequently.

 

[BHAN85]

Well I think China still bans Iridium satellite phones and SpaceX hasn't gotten any approval to offer Starlink in China so why are we so special when it comes to bans?

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Luxurious 3D mink and faux mink lashes handcrafted with care. Our lashes are so lightweight and comfortable, you'll want to wear them everyday.

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Countries With Satellite Phone Restrictions​

Bangladesh​

Possessing a satellite phone is illegal in Bangladesh and can lead to jail time. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh with any questions.

China​

It’s illegal to have a satellite phone in China, and many other GPS devices are also deemed suspicious. If you’re traveling to China, consider using your regular phone – cell phone service and Internet access are both good in China, even in remote areas, and you can easily order a China SIM card before your trip. Note that many websites you usually use may be blocked, like Google and some social media platforms. Contact the Chinese Embassy with any questions.

It's funny how China forbid every single foreign SATCOM device.

Meanwhile they are the only one country with a own GNSS system that provide SATCOM service in the same satellites and smartphones for common people.

Just funny.

A Beidou satcom is just the perfect nightmare for the West and the perfect dream for CCP, you can only escape from Chinese espionage leaving the Earth or blowing up the smartphone .

China is very aggressive stealing industrial secrets from the West.

Personally I'd forbid every single one network device made in china.

 

[beijingwalker]

Personally I'd forbid every single one network device made in china.

Everyone says so in the west but we only see record Chinese exports hit them every passing month.

 

[BHAN85]

Everyone says so in the west but we only see record Chinese exports hit them every passing month.

Well the key is the network infrastructure, and that's forbidden.

As long as it keep without Chinese made backdoors, western state can control if sensible data are leaked.

A infected device can do nothing if it has no network to send the data.

That's because this news is so curious.

 

[etylo]

It's funny how China forbid every single foreign SATCOM device.

Meanwhile they are the only one country with a own GNSS system that provide SATCOM service in the same satellites and smartphones for common people.

Just funny.

A Beidou satcom is just the perfect nightmare for the West and the perfect dream for CCP, you can only escape from Chinese espionage leaving the Earth or blowing up the smartphone .

China is very aggressive stealing industrial secrets from the West.

Personally I'd forbid every single one network device made in china.

Stealing wests scerets coming from the foul mouth of you nothing good at indian.