Huawei’s new HarmonyOS NEXT operating system, which powers the Mate 70 series, has been turning heads lately with its decisive move away from Android. This version is the first to operate without depending on Android AOSP (Android Open Source Project), leading many to think it would be limited to the native HarmonyOS apps offered in Huawei's AppGallery.
Surprising Capabilities of HarmonyOS NEXT
This perception was considered a drawback since Huawei's app store doesn’t have as extensive a selection as the Google Play Store. However, recent updates have showcased an unexpected turn of events—devices using HarmonyOS NEXT can actually run Android apps, and here’s the scoop on how that works.
The Role of the "EasyAbroad" Emulator
HarmonyOS NEXT manages to run Android apps, despite not utilizing any Android code and instead relying on the Harmony kernel. A beta tester recently posted on Reddit that an Android emulator called "EasyAbroad" is available on Huawei's AppGallery. This emulator was made specifically for Huawei users outside of China, who require access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) for popular Android applications like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Google Maps.
With the "EasyAbroad" tool, users can directly install these Android apps onto their HarmonyOS NEXT devices, although there are some limitations. The Android apps are stored in a separate app store that shows up as a folder on the home screen. Users can launch these apps from within the folder, but they can't be placed as regular icons on the main screen. Moreover, users might face challenges with receiving notifications from these Android apps, which could impact the overall user experience.
MicroG: The Key to Functionality
The essential aspect behind this capability is microG, which is a free, open-source alternative to Google Play Services. It enables Android apps to work without needing a Google account or a direct connection to Google’s servers. This solution guarantees that most Android apps operate smoothly, even without the entire Google ecosystem.
This innovative development holds great significance for Huawei users, as it offers a solution to the limited app selection available on HarmonyOS NEXT. While Huawei’s AppGallery is expanding, it is still short of the wide array of apps found on Google’s Play Store. The ability to run Android apps allows users to enjoy a blend of HarmonyOS's unique features while being able to emulate Android apps that are yet unavailable on Huawei’s platform.
