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HarmonyOS should be Huawei’s way out of software misery. Image: Huawei
Huawei launches alternative to Android. 8 things you should know
Huawei presented its software plans for the future at the HDC internal developer conference on Thursday morning. The mobile phone maker caused a sensation with its announcement of the internal HarmonyOS operating system.
What exactly did Huawei announce?
HarmonyOS, which Huawei is promoting with all its might, will be released in version 2.0 in September. What’s special about this: Huawei doesn’t go the way of Apple and create a closed ecosystem, but makes its operating system freely available. Like Android, HarmonyOS will be open source, at least in its basic form. Like Google, HarmonyOS will be equipped with various services in the form of Huawei apps and interfaces.
One such application is HiLife, for example, and it has been around for a long time. HiLife will serve to “mediate” between the different devices of the Internet of Things.
CEO Richard Yu talks about HarmonyOS. Image: Huawei
Huawei also wants to open up its hardware platforms. For example, third-party apps should be able to use extensive camera features just like Huawei’s native camera app.
Why is this so important?
Since HarmonyOS is offered as an open operating system, other vendors may also use the software. As with Android, other smartphone manufacturers can use HarmonyOS. Since HarmonyOS is supposed to be a multi-device operating system, the software can be used on all smart devices. Examples of this are, in addition to watches or tablets, also refrigerators, washing machines or cars. The code of open source projects must also be freely accessible. This means that external IT experts can also check the security of HarmonyOS.
Google or Android have a problem now?
There is no general answer for this. Basically, Google probably doesn’t want someone trying to create an ecosystem that competes with Android. However, in the short term, Huawei will hardly be able to touch Google’s dominance. Officially, Huawei still wants to work with Google. The fact that they are now trying to go their own way is simply because the US ban is forcing the Chinese company to do so.
The situation in China should be interesting. Chinese electronics manufacturers don’t rely on Google apps. Switching to HarmonyOS should be easier for them. Even if the US ban were relaxed, Chinese smartphone makers could switch to HarmonyOS in the long run to gain independence from the US.
Who will use HarmonyOS?
There are already more than 800 partners on board who plan to pre-install HarmonyOS on their everyday smart devices. 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.
When will the first HarmonyOS smartphones arrive?
Probably in 2021. Since HarmonyOS will only support devices with up to 4GB of RAM starting in April 2021, it is not realistic beforehand that a mobile phone with HOS will appear. It is conceivable that Huawei will launch the first entry-level models with HOS in China from April 2021. It is also conceivable that in a year, when the new Mate comes out, it will be delivered with HarmonyOS. But this is all mostly speculation. Much also depends on how things play out with the American ban.
Is HarmonyOS also used in cars?
Yes. Here, too, Huawei has already laid out advanced plans. 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
What are Huawei’s future software plans?
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.
What happens if the US ban is lifted?
There is currently no answer to this question. Huawei certainly already has plans in the drawer for this scenario. In the short term, it should mean that new smartphone models will ship with apps from Android and Google. However, it seems unlikely that Huawei will stop developing HarmonyOS. The danger is too great for the United States to suddenly change its mind. It will definitely be exciting.
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