Tag: HarmonyOS Next

  • Huawei HarmonyOS Next: Supported Devices and Update Schedule

    Huawei HarmonyOS Next: Supported Devices and Update Schedule

    Huawei has hinted at the release of HarmonyOS Next, a significant update, earlier this year. Just recently, the company launched the public beta for select smartphones, with a full launch expected soon. This update is a big step, as it signifies a move away from the Android operating system. Below, you’ll find the list of compatible devices along with the timeline for updates.

    Supported Devices for HarmonyOS Next

    When the Chinese technology leader first introduced the public beta, the Huawei Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series were the first to receive the HarmonyOS Next update. During the announcement, Huawei also revealed that 8 additional devices will be getting the update. Here are those models:

    Other Expected Models

    Other devices anticipated to receive the update include:

    • Mate XT Ultimate Design
    • Nova Flip
    • MatePad Air
    • Nova 13
    • Nova 13 Pro

    Currently, users who possess any of these devices can enroll in the beta upgrade via the “My Huawei” app, available under the “Early Access” section. It’s important to mention that Huawei plans to widen the list of supported devices in the upcoming weeks and months to add more models. The newly launched Huawei Nova 13 and Nova 13 Pro come with HarmonyOS 4.2, so they are likely to be among the first to get the HarmonyOS Next update following this announcement.

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  • Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS: Key Features and Updates Explained

    Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS: Key Features and Updates Explained

    Huawei has just revealed HarmonyOS Next, the newest version of its operating system, at a recent product launch event. This fifth generation of HarmonyOS introduces major improvements, particularly in areas like privacy, security, and the overall user experience, making interactions more seamless.

    Major System Overhaul

    Touted as the most significant update in the history of HarmonyOS, this version boasts a newly designed architecture that operates independently from Android. This means a stronger emphasis on native functionalities and enhanced security measures.

    UI and Interaction Enhancements

    HarmonyOS Next brings forth the concept of “Pure HarmonyOS,” a fresh design philosophy that prioritizes visual beauty and smoothness. This is achieved through engaging lighting, gravity-based animations, and a focus on central-axis symmetry. According to Chief UX Designer Yang Zhiyan, six key elements—light, movement, color, force, time, and space—combine to form a unified digital experience. The user interface features lively wallpapers, smart digital clocks, and a seamless integration of themes. Notably, the lock screen adapts its cinematic look based on weather conditions, clock placement, and lighting effects, resulting in a more organic interaction for users.

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  • Huawei HarmonyOS Next Beta Launches for Eight New Smartphones

    Huawei HarmonyOS Next Beta Launches for Eight New Smartphones

    Earlier this month, Huawei released a public beta update for the Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series. Now, the company is extending this update to eight additional devices.

    New Devices Included

    The new devices that are eligible for the beta upgrade include the Pura 70, Huawei Pura 70 Satellite Messaging Edition, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, Pura 70 Ultra, Pocket 2, Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition, and MatePad Pro 11-inch (2024). Owners of these models can apply for the beta upgrade via the “My Huawei” app, specifically in the “Early Access” section.

    A Major Shift in Software

    The latest version of HarmonyOS, named HarmonyOS Next, signifies a major transformation in Huawei’s software. It now operates on a single-framework architecture, meaning that it is no longer compatible with Android. This shift makes HarmonyOS Next a completely self-developed operating system that depends solely on the HarmonyOS kernel.

    Nonetheless, rumors suggest that Huawei might adopt a dual-OS strategy for the upcoming Mate 70 series, allowing support for both HarmonyOS Next and Android apps. This speculation, shared by leaker RuiPlaysDigital, aims to meet the needs of both Chinese users who are accustomed to HarmonyOS and global users who need Android compatibility, especially for Google apps limited by US trade rules.

    Evolution of HarmonyOS

    HarmonyOS was initially introduced in 2015 and officially launched in 2019, receiving four major updates since then. In January 2024, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS Next, which is designed for a fully native HarmonyOS experience, concentrating only on applications developed for the HarmonyOS environment.

    Currently, the top 5,000 apps in China are being developed natively for HarmonyOS, with the HarmonyOS Next App Store offering over 10,000 apps and services, covering nearly all essential usage requirements.

    Market Growth

    According to a recent report from Counterpoint Research, HarmonyOS has significantly increased its market share in China, rising from 8% in Q1 2023 to 17% in Q1 2024. In contrast, iOS’s market share decreased from 20% to 16% during the same period, positioning HarmonyOS as the second-largest operating system in China, overtaking Apple’s iOS.

    Huawei’s Xu Zhijun pointed out that for HarmonyOS to truly function as a mobile operating system, it requires a strong ecosystem. The aim is to enhance coordination among apps, the OS, and hardware, which would lead to a better user experience.

    Today, Huawei is hosting an event in China to officially unveil HarmonyOS Next alongside the Nova 13 series. The Mate 70 series is expected to be launched in November.

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  • Huawei Mate 70 Might Offer Dual OS Options with Android Support

    Huawei Mate 70 Might Offer Dual OS Options with Android Support

    We have all been keeping an eye on the development of Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT. This new operating system moves away from Google’s Android framework and its extensive app library. While this might work well for China, which has a strong native app ecosystem, the global market still heavily depends on the familiar Android applications.

    Potential for Dual-OS Strategy

    Recently, some intriguing rumors have come out suggesting that Huawei might implement a dual-OS strategy for its forthcoming smartphones. Tech insider RuiPlaysDigital reports that the Mate 70 series could be released with a "dual-frame" software configuration. One part of this setup would run HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei’s own operating system, while the other would enable Android app support. This approach seems logical, as it would allow Huawei to serve both local and international consumers effectively.

    Benefits of HarmonyOS NEXT

    For Chinese users, HarmonyOS NEXT could provide a user experience similar to the company’s EMUI skin that runs on Android. It may even deliver quicker and smoother performance than traditional Android apps, since it was created by Huawei from scratch. However, for users outside of China, having access to Google apps is crucial. Due to the ongoing trade restrictions from the US, Huawei can’t pre-install Google Mobile Services (GMS) on its devices, which limits access to popular applications like Gmail, YouTube, and the Play Store.

    What This Means for Users

    An Android-compatible Mate 70 would permit users to sideload these essential apps. This way, those who are hesitant about switching to a new operating system can continue using what they’re accustomed to, while others who are ready for HarmonyOS NEXT can take advantage of its features. However, it’s worth mentioning that this is still merely a rumor, and we should wait for Huawei to confirm anything officially.

    Huawei has scheduled an event for October 22 in China to officially unveil HarmonyOS NEXT. During this event, the company might reveal its plans regarding a dual-OS strategy if such intentions are indeed in place. We will keep you informed of any changes or updates.

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  • First Impressive Gaming Results for Native HarmonyOS NEXT Game

    First Impressive Gaming Results for Native HarmonyOS NEXT Game

    With the public beta of HarmonyOS NEXT set to launch on October 8th, Huawei device gamers have exciting news ahead. Tencent, a leading name in the gaming industry, has introduced native versions of its well-known games—PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings—specifically for HarmonyOS NEXT. While these titles are still in closed beta, a Weibo user named Jerroid_Tech has shared insights on the performance of the native version of Honor of Kings.

    Impressive Performance on HarmonyOS NEXT

    The testing primarily examined how the game handles intense gameplay. Jerroid_Tech played as Sima Yi, a character known for having a broad field of view, during a challenging 15-minute 5v5 ranked match filled with team battles. The game was set to HD graphics and 1080p resolution, running on a Pura 70 Pro+ with the Kirin 9010 processor.

    Remarkably, even under these demanding conditions, the HarmonyOS NEXT version of Honor of Kings achieved a smooth average frame rate of 120.73. Jerroid_Tech noted that the game included water surface reflection effects, which typically require significant GPU resources, yet the performance remained impressive.

    Thermal and Power Consumption Insights

    In terms of temperature, the highest recorded was 48.07°C on the phone’s back, while the front reached 43.2°C. During gameplay, the game used 4.9W of power and 2.45GB of RAM. There were no indications of frame rate drops or stuttering during the test, suggesting that the phone can provide a fluid gaming experience. While a direct comparison with Android devices hasn’t been made yet, these results appear to rival flagship phones that use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. It’s worth noting that this is merely a preview version and not the final public release.

    Should You Be Excited?

    From this preliminary test, it seems that native HarmonyOS NEXT games are poised to deliver a gameplay experience comparable to high-end Android devices, even when faced with demanding tasks. This development is encouraging for the new operating system, particularly for mobile gamers using Huawei devices. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just one test of a closed beta version.

    We will have to wait for the full rollout to assess how Honor of Kings and additional games perform on HarmonyOS NEXT across a broader spectrum of devices in real-world situations.

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  • Huawei Mate 70 Series Expected to Launch in November 2023

    Huawei Mate 70 Series Expected to Launch in November 2023

    Richard Yu, the chairman of Huawei’s Board of Directors for the Consumer Business Group, has announced that the public beta version of the new HarmonyOS NEXT operating system will begin to roll out on October 8. Additionally, the supply chain indicates that the Huawei Mate 70 series may be launched in November this year, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.

    Supply Chain Insights

    According to a report from Yicai Global, many components for the Mate 70 series have already been delivered to Huawei. This suggests that the phone is close to entering mass production, if it hasn’t started already. The report also mentions that mass production is expected to commence before the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which usually takes place from mid-September to early October. Industry insiders believe that the Mate 70 series is likely to be unveiled in November.

    Previous Launch Context

    For comparison, the Huawei Mate 60 series was launched at the end of August and became available in early September last year. There have been speculations that the delayed launch of this year’s flagship model is linked to the development of HarmonyOS NEXT.

    To summarize, the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro were the first devices to gain attention for utilizing the company’s self-developed 7nm chipset. Since then, Huawei has released several devices featuring advanced versions of this chipset. Rumors suggest that the Mate 70 series will be equipped with a Kirin 9100 chipset, which is anticipated to provide enhanced performance compared to its predecessor. It will be intriguing to see how the Mate 70 series performs alongside the new operating system. Zhu Yonggang, the company’s President of Mobile Cloud, claims that HarmonyOS NEXT has achieved in one year what Android and iOS took “17 years” to accomplish.

    Prototype Features

    A recent leak from tipster DCS reveals that a prototype of the Huawei Mate 70 includes a centered 3D facial recognition system on a quad-curved screen. While earlier leaks suggested the presence of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, DCS states that the series now integrates the fingerprint sensor into the power button and adopts a flat design for the metal middle frame. As this design information contradicts previous rumors, it’s advisable to approach it with caution.

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  • HarmonyOS NEXT Launching This Month Free from Android

    HarmonyOS NEXT Launching This Month Free from Android

    Huawei is on the cusp of a major advancement with its HarmonyOS. The company has confirmed via the South China Morning Post that HarmonyOS NEXT, a fully native version that does not rely on Android’s libraries, is set to debut by the end of the month.

    A Milestone Amid Sanctions

    This development is crucial for Huawei, especially after US sanctions limited its access to Google’s Mobile Services. HarmonyOS, which was first introduced in 2019, initially entered the smart TV market before expanding to smartphones the following year. Since its launch, the operating system has garnered millions of users and extended its reach to tablets, wearables, and IoT devices.

    Yet Huawei’s vision extends beyond merely swapping Android on its gadgets. Known in China as the “Pure Blood” OS, HarmonyOS NEXT aims for full autonomy. This involves a complete overhaul of the software, eliminating any dependency on Android code.

    Support from Major Developers

    Chen Xinxin, the general manager of HarmonyOS Industry Solutions, stated that the new mobile platform is “entirely independently developed and autonomous.” The transition is backed by major Chinese developers from sectors like software, gaming, entertainment, and e-commerce, who are committed to creating native HarmonyOS applications. JD.com, China’s e-commerce leader, has just finalized its native app, scheduled to launch with HarmonyOS NEXT.

    The Future with Huawei Mate 70

    The upcoming Huawei Mate 70 is poised to be the first smartphone featuring the native HarmonyOS NEXT, though its launch date remains uncertain. This positions the Mate 70 as not just a flagship device for Huawei, but also as a pivotal component of the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

    Whether HarmonyOS NEXT can effectively compete with Android’s dominance is still a question. However, Huawei’s commitment to developing an independent operating system is a daring strategy that might redefine the mobile landscape, particularly in China.

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  • Huawei Mate 70 Series Launch Delayed to Q4 Due to HarmonyOS & Kirin Issues

    Huawei Mate 70 Series Launch Delayed to Q4 Due to HarmonyOS & Kirin Issues

    Huawei disclosed at the HDC 2024 conference that the Mate 70 series smartphones were slated for release in the fourth quarter of this year. Nevertheless, a new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station hints at a potential delay, possibly pushing the launch to mid or late fourth quarter, such as December or even later.

    HarmonyOS NEXT and Kirin 5G SoC Challenges

    The reported postponement seems to stem from the slow adaptation of the new HarmonyOS NEXT operating system and the integration of the latest Kirin 5G SoC. HarmonyOS NEXT, the official successor to HarmonyOS, was a major highlight at HDC 2024. Its introduction on the Mate 70 series would signify the first official consumer deployment of the new OS. However, ensuring a smooth transition from the current HarmonyOS iteration to NEXT appears to be taking longer than anticipated.

    The new Kirin chip, meanwhile, is said to use a new platform and boast improved technology that might necessitate additional development time for flawless integration with the phone’s hardware.

    Highlighted Features and Specifications

    Additionally, the tipster disclosed that the phones are expected to come with a 1.5K LTPO display, an Omnivision OV50K main camera featuring an ultra-large variable aperture, and an ultra-large silicon battery potentially utilizing silicon negative electrode technology for enhanced efficiency. For security measures, Huawei might emphasize 3D face scanning.

    Other specifications, based on previous reports, include a 3D spatial zoom feature in the cameras and satellite communication support for emergencies.

    Potential Benefits of the Delay

    While the official launch date remains uncertain, this delay could provide Huawei with critical time to perfect the integration of both the new Kirin chipset and HarmonyOS NEXT. This might ultimately result in a more refined user experience upon release, though it implies that enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer to acquire the latest Mate model.

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  • Huawei to Launch Nova Flip, Replacing Nova 13 Series This August

    Huawei to Launch Nova Flip, Replacing Nova 13 Series This August

    Huawei’s highly-awaited Nova 13 series smartphone release has been postponed, as reported by reputable industry insider Digital Chat Station. The series, which was initially expected to launch in August, will now not be making an appearance.

    Upcoming Flip Phone

    In place of the Nova 13 series, the Chinese tech behemoth is preparing to launch a Nova-branded flip phone. Although specifics about this forthcoming device are limited, the Nova line’s reputation for combining high-end features with competitive pricing suggests a similar strategy for the new flip phone.

    Anticipated Features of Nova 13 Series

    Regarding the delayed Nova 13 series, there are some intriguing rumored specifications. The Pro and Ultra models are speculated to include satellite connectivity, a feature gaining popularity recently. These devices might be powered by the same flagship Kirin 9010 SoC found in the newly released Huawei Pura 70 series.

    The Nova 13 series is also expected to adopt the XMAGE camera technology currently utilized in Huawei’s Pura and Mate flagship models. Enhanced selfie capabilities are anticipated, thanks to dual front-facing cameras.

    Display and Operating System

    Leaks indicate that the standard Nova 13 may feature a flat screen, while the other models could have a slightly curved design. All devices are rumored to boast a 1.5K resolution display, balancing between Full HD and Quad HD.

    Pre-installed with the HarmonyOS Next operating system, the Nova 13 series is also rumored to have a rear camera system with variable aperture technology for the main camera. The higher-tier models might include a periscope telephoto lens. Although these details are yet to be confirmed, they hint at a potentially feature-rich mid-range offering.

    While fans might be disappointed by the delay of the Nova 13 series, the introduction of a Huawei-branded flip phone brings an exciting new aspect to the company’s smartphone lineup. Stay tuned for further updates on these devices.

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  • Huawei Launches Phase 2 of HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta

    Huawei Launches Phase 2 of HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta

    Huawei has launched the second phase of its HarmonyOS NEXT developer beta program, presenting another opportunity for developers and early adopters to test the forthcoming operating system on specific Huawei devices.

    Applications for this phase are open until July 26th, 2024, at 3:00 PM PST. Submissions made during this period will be evaluated between July 13th and August 5th, with a processing time ranging from 3 to 7 business days.

    Eligible Devices

    This round includes the same devices as the initial phase: Mate 60 series smartphones, Mate X5 foldable phones, and MatePad Pro 13.2 tablets. Interested participants, whether they are developers or regular users, must satisfy certain criteria.

    First, users need to possess a compatible device with the latest baseline build installed. Developers must be registered with the Huawei Developer Alliance and complete the real-name verification process. Moreover, all participants are required to sign a confidentiality agreement and pass a registration questionnaire before submitting their details.

    Limited Slots Available

    This phase offers 5,000 tester slots, so early registration is advised to improve chances of selection. Selection criteria will consider the details provided in the application.

    Interested parties can find the registration links below. It is crucial to remember that this is a beta program. Beta versions can be unstable, might lead to data loss, and may not be fully compatible with all existing apps. Therefore, it is important to back up all essential data before installing the beta update, using a PC, cloud storage, or another external device.

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