Chinese telecom giant Huawei said its nascent homegrown operating system could be available on smartphones early next year, as it pushes to build an alternative app ecosystem after the US barred it from using Google’s Android.
The source code for HarmonyOS will be made available beginning in December to software developers who create apps for smartphones, said Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s consumer products division.
HarmonyOS is so far used only with certain products including smart TVs, in-car entertainment systems and wearable devices, not the company’s smartphones.
Huawei is the number-two smartphone producer in the world after Samsung, but tech market analysis firm Canalys said Huawei surpassed the South Korean company in the virus-affected second quarter.
Huawei is facing an intense campaign by the United States to isolate the firm, saying it poses a cybersecurity threat. Both Huawei and China’s government deny the accusation.
The US has been pushing allies to shun products made by Huawei, which is also the global market leader for 5G and other telecom-network equipment.
Huawei’s announcement on HarmonyOS was made at an annual software developers conference that it organises at its headquarters in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
The move indicates Huawei intends to push ahead with plans to create its own ecosystem, a challenge analysts say is daunting in a world dominated by Android and Apple’s iOS.
In other news – Zinhle Mabena back on Mzansi Magic soapie lsibaya
For several years actress Zinhle Mabena has kept many avid watchers of Mzansi Magic’s hit soapie Isibaya captivated with her intriguing character and enthralling performances on the show. Learn more
Source: EWN
