Microsoft's OK with Nokia using Android

BARCELONA, Spain--Things got awkward for short moment on stage when Microsoft executives were asked about the possibility of Nokia using Android.

Joe Belfiore, vice president of operating systems for Windows, looked to Nick Parker, who runs the world original equipment manufacturer group. Parker looked back, with both wanting to defer to the other.

Finally, Belfiore spoke up, reiterating Microsoft's strong relationship with Nokia. As Microsoft hasn't yet finalized its deal to buy Nokia's device business, he couldn't add too much, but he did offer up this amusing nugget:

"Some things we're excited about, some things we're less excited about," Belfiore said during Microsoft's Mobile World Congress press conference on Sunday, eliciting more than a few chuckles. "Whatever they do, we're very supportive of them."

Parker chimed in, noting that he appreciates the competition.

"It's great to sit there and compete," he said.

Such is the unique relationship that is shaping up between Microsoft and Nokia. Nokia is widely expected to launch a smartphone running Android, a break from its prior commitment to Microsoft and Windows Phone. It's an odd move considering the company's device unit is weeks away from being folded into the company.

Nokia and Microsoft have long had a cozy partnership, particularly with devices head Stephen Elop, a Microsoft veteran poised to return to the mothership. Nokia, in turn, is responsible for a vast majority of sales of Windows Phone devices. Any growth in sales for Windows Phone is due to Nokia. It's the only company to consistently show excitement about the operating system.

But the Android move suggests that Microsoft may keep Nokia at arm's length, even after the acquisition, which is a good thing. Microsoft has to show that it is neutral when dealing with Nokia in order to balance its relationship with its other partners. On Sunday, Microsoft announced a number of new companies supporting Windows Phone, including LG, ZTE, and Lenovo, as well as iPhone-manufacturer Foxconn.

At least for now, Belfiore and Parker seem content to let Nokia work independently, although things may changes down the line once the deal closes.

2014 Huawei unveils new 4G LTE-connected devices at MWC

Chinese wireless device maker Huawei unveiled five new 4G LTE devices at the Mobile World Congress 2014 tradeshow in Barcelona on Sunday.

The company, which now claims to have ranked third in terms of worldwide smartphone shipments in 2013, is trying to make waves with its new products. These products include two small tablets, a new smartphone, the "world's fastest" MiFi, and a new Net-connected watch/fitness tracker.

With its two new tablets, Huawei has blurred the lines between smartphone and tablet. The slim 7-inch Huawei MediaPad X1 could be seen as more a "phablet" than a tablet. It comes with a SIM card slot that provides 4G LTE data connectivity as well as allows users to make phone calls and send SMS text messages.

The device also sports a 1.6GHz quad-core processor and a full HD display, making it a great device for viewing streaming and digital content. The MediaPad X1 will be available in stores in the UK later this year.

Like the Media Pad X1, the MediaTab M1 could also be used as an oversized smartphone. The 8-inch Android tablet has a SIM card slot, 4G LTE support and also allows users to make phone calls and send and receive SMS text messages. It has a 1,280x920-pixel resolution screen and comes with a 1.6GHz quad-core processor. It runs the older Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system.

In addition to the, the new tablets, Huawei also announced a new 4G LTE smartphone, theAscend G6 4G. A highlight of the new smartphone is the 5-megapixel front-facing camera, to offer better quality selfies. The 4.5-inch phone has a 960x540-pixel resolution screen, and it comes with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor. The device runes Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and sports an 8-megapixel camera on the back.

Pricing and availability information were not disclosed at the press conference.

Huawei also announced what it's calling the world's fastest MiFi, the Huawei E5786. The device connects to carrier LTE networks and will provide download speeds of 300 Mbps, the company said. Upload speeds top out at 100Mbps. The MiFI supports Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and 802.11ac, and it can connect up to 10 devices to the carrier LTE network via Wi-Fi. It has a 3000mAh battery that supposedly offers up to 10 hours of use. And it also allows users to charge other devices connected to the MiFi. So if your tablet or smartphone is running low on battery, you can plug it into the MiFi and get a charge.

The Huawei E5786 will be available the second half of this year.

Huawei joined the wearable device party with the new TalkBand B1, which is a Bluetooth headband and fitness tracker in one.

The new device will cost 99 euros. It uses both Bluetooth and NFC or near field communications for connectivity. The Talkband can pop out of the wristband and be used to make a call. And then it can be popped back in. It's also water and dust resistant. It tracks sleep patterns and other health vitals. And the strap itself is a USB connector, which lets you charge it up easily. It has seven hours of talk time and two weeks standby capability. The 1.4 inch OLED screen is not a touch screen, so the device is managed using an app on a smartphone.