Huawei Unveils Its Operating System ‘HarmonyOS’ For Smartphones

The operating system will initially be used on smart devices like smart watches and speakers, before rolling out on smartphones in a few years

Huawei has revealed its own mobile operating system, which could eventually replace Android on smartphones after Google withdrew support for the devices.

The new operating system, called HarmonyOS, is a “lightweight” operating system with powerful functionality, according to Huawei.

The first phone to use HarmonyOS will be announced on Saturday by Honor – a sub-brand of Huawei.

“To support this, we felt it was important to have an operating system with improved cross-platform capabilities.

“We needed an OS that supports all scenarios, that can be used across a broad range of devices and platforms, and that can meet consumer demand for low latency and strong security.”

HarmonyOS is open source, meaning it will be available for other electronics manufacturers to install on their devices.

He added that Huawei has the technology to put HarmonyOS on smartphones, tablets and computers now, but that the firm’s “priority” is to still use Android in its devices.

Huawei has been developing its operating system for more than two years but its importance did not become urgent until earlier this year.

Back in May, US president Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively banning Huawei from using US technology without government permission.

The firm has been dogged by accusations that it has close ties to the Chinese state – something it has denied – and could be used to spy on people in the West.

To comply with the order, Google announced that it would limit Huawei’s access to its Android operating system for future devices, although a temporary licence has since been granted to trade some items.

Huawei is currently the third most popular smartphone brand in the UK after Apple and Samsung, accounting for 12.4% of shipments in 2018, according to  Strategy Analytics .

The company currently uses Android to power its smartphones and other devices, but previously admitted it was developing its own operating system as a “plan B” should it be no longer able to use Google’s software.

Source: Morror