3 Minutes
Huawei has introduced Smart Hanhan, its first AI emotional-companion pet, debuting at the Mate 80 series event and selling out quickly after going on sale for 399 yuan (about $56). Designed as a small, expressive plush toy, Hanhan aims to offer more than simple novelty — it listens, reacts, and remembers.
A tiny plush with surprisingly big feelings
Smart Hanhan measures a compact 80 x 68 x 82 mm and weighs just 140 grams (excluding its limbs). The device blends soft plush fabric with silicone, plastic and internal electronics to produce a tactile, huggable experience that still houses sophisticated sensors and actuators. Huawei focused the design on emotional support and natural interaction rather than basic entertainment, and the result is a companion that looks cute and behaves responsively.
Talk, touch, move — Hanhan responds
Equipped with microphones, touch sensors and motion detection, Hanhan reacts differently to voice, taps, strokes and movement. A stroke or tap shifts facial expressions; a gentle shake triggers an excited tremble. These varied inputs allow the pet to simulate attention and mood shifts, creating more lifelike exchanges that feel personal.
Powered by Huawei’s Xiaoyi large-model AI
Under the plush exterior sits Huawei’s Xiaoyi large-model AI, built to support natural, emotion-aware conversations. Xiaoyi detects tone, context and emotional cues so replies feel more empathetic and contextually aware than typical chatbot banter. Imagine a toy that not only answers but also mirrors subtle mood changes — that’s the promise here.
Memory, diary and connectivity
Smart Hanhan pairs with HarmonyOS 5.0 or newer phones (including Mate 80, Mate 80 Pro, Mate X7 and Mate 80 RS) and links to a companion diary system on the phone. Interactions are logged as memory entries, creating a running record of emotional exchanges and daily moments. Huawei bundles a 3-month SVIP membership that unlocks unlimited conversation “energy points,” allowing free-flowing chats during the trial period.
Battery life and practical details
Hanhan packs an 1800mAh battery that supports 6–8 hours of continuous interaction and can last beyond 48 hours under typical daily use. A full recharge takes close to six hours. With its modest price tag and early sellouts across three colorways, Hanhan looks aimed at users who want an approachable, emotionally aware device rather than a high-end robot pet.
Whether Smart Hanhan becomes a mainstream companion or a niche tech collectible depends on how users respond to an AI that remembers feelings as well as phrases. For now, Huawei has entered a growing market for emotionally intelligent devices with a playful, portable option.
Source: gizmochina
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