Huawei has officially moved away from Android with the launch of HarmonyOS Next, marking a big change in its path. This new operating system is set to boost the tech giant’s independence, even though this step was not entirely voluntary. With HarmonyOS Next, Huawei promises better performance, longer battery life, and a more efficient system for its devices.
A Shift Towards Independence
With the release of HarmonyOS Next, Huawei is aiming for a fresh start. This is no longer about just running away from Android; it’s about building a brand-new platform for Huawei’s ecosystem. The new system has over 100 million lines of code, and many upgrades have been made to improve the way it runs. Huawei claims that this operating system will give users a more fluid and faster experience on a wide range of devices. In fact, Huawei says that with HarmonyOS Next, devices will see a 30 per cent increase in speed.
Performance Upgrades
HarmonyOS Next brings major improvements in terms of speed and power. Huawei reports that devices using this system will have better battery life, with an extra 56 minutes of use. In addition, the company says there will be about 1.5 GB of memory on average. A new interface with dynamic wallpapers and an adaptable lock screen is also part of the deal. This screen can change based on things like the weather or the lighting in your area, making it more responsive to your needs.
The system also includes an upgraded Ark Engine, which is key to the graphics, memory, and multimedia tasks of the devices. This improved engine helps with both the performance and energy use of the devices, making them more efficient overall.
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Focus on Security
Huawei is also focusing on security with HarmonyOS Next. A new structure called the “Star Shield” has been added to make sure data is more secure. This new setup helps block any unauthorized attempts to access user data. It also adds new tools like encrypted file sharing and access logs. With these logs, users can see how apps are using their data, giving them more control over what happens behind the scenes.
A Growing Ecosystem
One of the main goals of HarmonyOS Next is to grow the Huawei ecosystem. The operating system includes features like the Distributed Soft Bus, which allows for smooth use of devices together. For instance, users can share galleries, sync clipboards, or even send videos across devices. The tap-to-share feature is another highlight, making it much easier to move files between Huawei products.
However, the new operating system still faces challenges, especially when it comes to app support. Since HarmonyOS Next is no longer built on Android, there are fewer native apps available. Huawei claims that there are already over 15,000 native apps for the new system, but more are needed to meet the needs of its users.
Availability in China Only
At present, HarmonyOS Next is only available in China, where it’s being tested on flagship devices like the Huawei Pura 70 series, Pocket 2 series, and MatePad Pro 11-inch (2024). While Huawei plans to support more devices in 2025, there are no current plans to offer HarmonyOS Next outside of China. This is a shift from previous versions of HarmonyOS, which were planned for the global market. In summary, Huawei is taking big steps with HarmonyOS Next, aiming for improved performance, security, and a more unified ecosystem. While challenges remain, especially with app support, this new operating system marks a significant move away from Android for Huawei.