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HarmonyOS should compete with Android. Image: Huawei
Huawei declares software war on Google and brings Android competitors
Huawei presents its plans for the future. These include, among other things, a separate open operating system. With this they attack Google’s Android.
Huawei presented its plans for the future at the internal HDC developer conference, which has been running since 9:00 am on Thursday morning. Although until recently the company always stressed that it wanted to continue working with Google, now it is going its own way. The internal HarmonyOS, which was released in a first version in 2019, appears in version 2.0 and becomes open source. This means that other manufacturers can also use Huawei’s operating system on their cell phones and other smart devices.
CEO Richard Yu at the presentation. Image: Huawei
There are already more than 800 partners on board who plan to use HarmonyOS on their everyday smart devices. These include refrigerators, washing machines, headphones, speakers, and televisions, among others. HarmonyOS 2.0 is available now, smartphone developer kits will ship from December 2020. Initially, HarmonyOS will only be available for entry-level or low-memory devices. All smart devices should be compatible no later than October 2021.
They are already working with five partners each to make the chips and modules compatible with the new operating system. Currently, seven chips and five modules (WiFi / camera / display) are certified for HarmonyOS. Unfortunately, Huawei has not disclosed who these partners are.
Huawei also wants to open up its hardware platforms. For example, third-party apps should be able to use extensive camera features just as much as Huawei’s native camera app.
Huawei comes in cars
Huawei has already presented advanced plans in the automobile field. There are currently more than 20 car manufacturers on board who want to use HiCar, the car version of HarmonyOS. Most of the manufacturers are only known in China. After all, with Volvo there is also a well-known manufacturer in Europe. But it should be noted here that Volvo has been in the hands of China for a long time.
According to Huawei, more than 150 car models already use HiCar. In 2021, HiCar is expected to be installed in five million vehicles. HiCar has also been integrated into 30 applications so far. Image: Huawei
In August, Huawei, in cooperation with electric car maker BYD, unveiled the first vehicle that HiCar will have installed from the assembly line.
The Han EV is the first car with Huawei’s HiCar. Bild: WORLD
Huawei wants to become a comprehensive ecosystem provider
Since the United States banned the software, Huawei’s goals have clearly changed. While the focus in the past was primarily on hardware, software is now clearly at the center of Huawei’s future plans. The group defines its past and future goals as follows:
- 2011-2015: High-end product development
- 2016-2019: Build a premium brand
- since 2019: Become a comprehensive ecosystem provider
One challenge for Huawei is persuading developers to adapt their apps for HarmonyOS. Since Android applications are not compatible with Huawei’s operating system, it will no longer be possible to simply download the corresponding applications from alternative sources in the future.
Huawei tries to make life as easy as possible for developers. Accessibility plays a key role here: according to Richard Yu, a developer doesn’t have to tailor their app specifically for each device. On the contrary, you only have to program the application once. HarmonyOS then automatically adapts the app for each screen size and resolution to display optimally.
My own language assistant is now also coming to Europe
Anyone offering their own ecosystem naturally needs a language assistant as well. Huawei also introduced voice assistant Celia in March with the introduction of the P40 series. So far this is only available in China. However, Celia should make the leap to Europe this year.
Extended own search engine and competitor to Google Maps
Huawei has also expanded its own Petal Search search engine. Until now, the search engine was there mainly to find installation files for Android apps. There was also a news section, but it wasn’t very extensive. Huawei has now expanded Petal Search with an update. In addition to an improved news center, there are now several features that you are used to from Google. Like the Google search engine, information such as recipes, knowledge or purchases is displayed in transparent tiles.
Huawei has yet to present its alternative to Google Maps. Rumors that the company is working on one have been around for a few weeks. Huawei will use data from Dutch map pioneer TomTom. Huawei is already working with TomTom for its GPS interface, which is available to application developers. The TomTom Go Navigation app has also been officially available on the AppGallery for a few days.
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