Huawei has officially launched HarmonyOS Next, marking a significant milestone as the company moves away from Android and Linux-based systems. This new OS is Huawei’s first operating system built entirely in-house, underscoring its efforts to develop a fully independent software ecosystem.
Key Highlights of HarmonyOS Next
- Self-Developed OS: HarmonyOS Next is based on a self-developed microkernel using the OpenHarmony open-source core. This makes it Huawei’s first operating system that does not rely on Android or the Linux kernel.
- Device Compatibility: Initially focused on Huawei devices in China, HarmonyOS Next is designed to power a variety of devices, including smartphones, wearables, smart home products, and car cockpits. A global release of HarmonyOS Next is expected in the future.
- Unified Ecosystem: With the Huawei Ark compiler and Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), the OS ensures smooth interoperability across different devices, whether it’s smartphones, tablets, or smart wearables. Cloud integration and seamless interconnectivity are key features, creating a unified experience between devices.
App Ecosystem
Huawei Consumer Business Group Chairman Richard Yu revealed that 15,000 apps and services are already part of the HarmonyOS Next ecosystem, with more in development. He also highlighted the success of previous HarmonyOS versions, which currently run on over 1 billion devices globally, spanning smartphones, tablets, smart home devices, and car infotainment systems.
New Features and Improvements
HarmonyOS Next introduces several enhancements:
- Visual Overhaul: The OS offers a new visual identity with customizable lockscreen and home screen options, alongside a redesigned control center.
- Improved Performance: Faster animations and app launch speeds are notable, along with a 30% increase in fluency and 20% lower power consumption when communicating between software modules.
- AI Integration: Powered by system-level AI based on the Pangu large language model, the OS offers advanced AI features that improve device functionality.
- File Sharing: The new Huawei Share 2.0 promises fast and seamless file sharing between HarmonyOS Next devices. For example, a 1.2GB file can be transferred in just 8 seconds.
Security
Huawei has also emphasized security with the introduction of the Star Shield architecture, which provides system-level protection for all HarmonyOS Next-powered devices.
Public Beta
A public beta version of HarmonyOS Next is now available in China, with support for several devices, including the Pura 70 series, Huawei Pocket 2, and MatePad Pro 11 (2024).
HarmonyOS Next marks a bold step for Huawei as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in the global operating system landscape, offering a fully integrated ecosystem across a wide range of devices.
