Tag: US Ban

  • TikTok Files Emergency Injunction Against US Ban

    TikTok Files Emergency Injunction Against US Ban

    TikTok, the popular platform for short videos, has submitted an emergency request to postpone its expected ban in the US set for January 19, 2025. The parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese tech giant, claims that the Supreme Court requires additional time to evaluate the case.

    Impact on Users and Businesses

    In a statement, ByteDance highlighted that TikTok boasts “170 million American users.” The proposed ban would adversely affect small businesses, which “would lose more than $1 billion in revenue,” while creators could face nearly $300 million in lost income within just one month.

    Economic Contributions

    ByteDance emphasized that “the advertising, marketing, and organic reach on TikTok contributed $24.2 billion” to the GDP of the US. Moreover, TikTok’s operations have added another “$8.5 billion” to the economy.

    Political Landscape

    The company argued that a delay would give “the incoming Administration time to determine its position—which could moot both the impending harms and the need for Supreme Court review.” They also mentioned that President-Elect Donald Trump publicly expressed he is “gonna save TikTok.” The new administration’s security advisor has also stated they need “to allow the American people access to that app.”

    Additionally, ByteDance noted that one of Trump’s nominees, RFK Jr., has started an online petition to contest the ban. Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested the court to dismiss the injunction.

  • How Huawei Thrives Without Google: Key Survival Strategies

    How Huawei Thrives Without Google: Key Survival Strategies

    The tech industry in the United States boasts giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple, with a significant presence that shapes the global market for mobile devices. Huawei, a Chinese company, managed to navigate this competitive landscape despite facing challenges that stemmed from US government restrictions.

    Huawei’s Resilience Amidst Challenges

    Huawei emerged as one of the top three smartphone sellers globally in 2019, surpassing Apple in sales during various quarters of 2018 and 2019. However, its success faced a setback when the US government imposed restrictions on its operations within the country.

    In May 2019, Huawei, along with other Chinese entities, found themselves on the US Entity List, barring them from collaborating with US-based organizations. This move meant that Huawei devices could no longer include popular Google-owned apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Drive, impacting their market offerings significantly.

    Innovation and Adaptation

    Despite the hurdles, Huawei showcased resilience and innovation. In response to the ban, the company introduced HarmonyOS, initially unveiled in 2019 and later positioned as a mobile operating system in 2020 with HarmonyOS 2.0. The introduction of HarmonyOS marked a pivotal moment for Huawei’s software development journey.

    In a strategic move, Huawei diversified its offerings by launching the Huawei P50 series with HarmonyOS, although lacking 5G support. Additionally, the company invested in establishing an in-house chip fabrication plant, culminating in the Kirin 9000S chip, featuring 5G capabilities, showcased in the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro smartphones.

    Software Evolution and Independence

    Huawei’s software ecosystem, including the Huawei AppGallery and HarmonyOS, witnessed significant growth post-US ban. The Huawei AppGallery garnered over 530 million active users in early 2021, escalating to 580 million active users by late 2022. Moreover, the HMS ecosystem flourished, boasting a remarkable increase in global developers from 1.6 million to over 5.4 million.

    While HarmonyOS retains some ties to Android through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), Huawei’s focus on HarmonyOS Next promises complete independence from the Android OS, setting the stage for a unique software experience that will challenge conventional norms.

    Huawei’s Adaptation to Google App Alternatives

    To counter the absence of Google apps, Huawei developed alternatives like Huawei Assistant, Huawei Gallery, Zoom, Skype, Huawei Cloud, Deego, Huawei Browser, and Huawei AppGallery, offering users a seamless experience on their devices.

    In conclusion, Huawei’s strategic investments in chip manufacturing, software development, and ecosystem growth showcase its determination to thrive in a competitive market. The upcoming HarmonyOS Next signals a new chapter for Huawei, positioning it as a formidable player alongside American tech giants.

    For more information, Huawei recently unveiled the Pura 70 series powered by the Kirin 9010 chipset, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and consumer satisfaction.


    Image Credit: Alex Escu/Unsplash