MWC 2014 | Huawei shows off the TalkBand B1

Huawei announced its first wearable at MWC in Barcelona – the TalkBand B1.

The TalkBand is both a smartwatch of sorts and an activity tracker. As a smartphone companion, it can link to either an Android or iOS smartphone to display caller information. But unlike any competing devices, this gadget has an earpiece that pops off of the wristband to allow the user to actually answer and make phone calls (without speaking into their wrist).

As an activity tracker, the B1 counts steps taken, distances traveled, and calories burned as well as monitoring sleep patterns.

Despite being thicker than some other activity trackers we've seen at 14.6 mm (0.57 inches), the TalkBand easily makes up for it with the addition of the ear piece, a water resistant design, and 6 days of battery life. It could also be a compelling choice for someone looking to buy one of Huawei's new MediaPads if they want to avoid holding up a 7- or 8-inch tablet up to make a call.

Other specs include a 1.4-inch flexible OLED display, USB charging, a 90 mAh battery, and a weight of just 26 grams (0.92 ounces).

The TalkBand B1 is expected to launch in China in March before rolling out to Japan, the Middle East, and Europe sometime in Q2. Prices have not yet been announced.