HUAWEI has launched HarmonyOS NEXT, its latest evolution in efforts that have been aiming to help the company move on from Android and Linux. The newest version of the operating system has a much-improved user interface, the superior performance attributes, and an expanded ecosystem that would promise better integrations across its lineup.
A new operating system independent of Android
HarmonyOS NEXT is an operating system developed based on the OpenHarmony open-source framework with a microkernel-architecture-built system, designed by HUAWEI. It ensures that the firm can have greater control over its own software, and thereby reduce its dependency on external systems and thereby enable friendly integration with its hardware products.
HUAWEI plans to shift towards a fully independent OS in order to offer an integral ecosystem in its overall plan. In other words, it is looking for harmony with the existing HUAWEI devices as well as with the cloud services and with all the other HUAWEI products.
Key features of HarmonyOS NEXT
Several new features have been enabled that help improve the usability and performance of the device with its introduction. Users can customize an interface to make preferences over lock screens and home screens according to the varied design options available.
In addition, the control center has been redesigned for better navigation to some of the most frequently used settings for easier access. According to HUAWEI, optimum launching of apps goes hand-in-hand with faster performance, thus making it easier for the user to access his favorite apps.
System performance is improved through the deep integration of the Ark Engine, with software, hardware, and cloud services. HUAWEI claims that such an engine improves system fluency by 30% and power consumption by 20%. The device also features longer battery life: additional usage time goes up to 56 minutes; running memory increases by 1.5 GB, and many more.
Ark Engine enhancements and performance gains
The integration of the Ark Engine software and hardware greatly enhances the performance of the entire system. This means optimization of performance for apps and their power management, hence giving the entire system almost a seamless performance regarding all tasks. This update also tries to enhance gaming performance by giving fluid graphics with good visual quality since some users seek after high-performance gaming.
Personalization and 3D interaction
HarmonyOS NEXT brings personalization to the center of these innovations as it arrives with a new rendering engine set to make colors look more realistic and motion flow more fluid. Indeed, users will relish 3D Interaction features like customizable emoticons that respond based on what is happening with the device bringing a dynamic yet engaging form to user interaction. The system also incorporates Intelligent Recognition in the adjustment of wallpapers based on the content of the image of captured photos, which does much to bring a unified visual experience across devices.
Xiaoyi AI assistant: Expanded capabilities
HUAWEI’s Xiaoyi AI Assistant enriches its user experience through the inclusion of functionality in HarmonyOS NEXT. It can be activated by voice commands or the navigation bar. It has contextual recognition capabilities, as well, in that it can recognize the contents on the screen and give related information. On top of all this, Xiaoyi can quickly analyze images and texts and convert audio recordings to text, making the workflow more efficient for frequent document management and multimedia user activities.
Connectivity features and device interoperability
Several features toward connectivity are promoted by the operating system. Now with HUAWEI Share 2.0, transferring files between devices is faster. Reportedly, a 1.2 GB file transferred to another device in just 8 seconds. This system has the support system known as Cross-Device Collaboration, allowing the user to edit and exchange content straight from one gadget to another. Furthermore, Unified Control will simply give uninterrupted media streaming for the user to take from their mobile devices to a larger screen for entertainment.
Privacy and security measures
HUAWEI included HarmonyOS NEXT Star Shield security architecture in the system, which adds protection to data. The system gives more control over data and application permissions to users, ensuring that apps will only have access to data the user allowed explicit permission for. In addition, HarmonyOS NEXT limits unneeded permissions to protect people’s privacy since it provides the record of what data applications request to access and how long they retain the permissions.
Ecosystem expansion and availability
HUAWEI claims that the HarmonyOS NEXT ecosystem presently supports over 15,000 apps. Previous versions of HarmonyOS have been installed on over 1 billion devices, such as smart telephones, tablets, wearables, and smart home systems. HarmonyOS NEXT will commence its public beta rollout on October 8th, 2024. At this time, this rollout was limited to China, but during the coming months, it will expand its reach into other regions.
HarmonyOS NEXT eligible devices and public beta release timeline
Supported Phones
The following smartphone models are part of the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta:
- HUAWEI Mate 60
- HUAWEI Mate 60 Pro
- HUAWEI Mate 60 Pro+
- HUAWEI Mate 60 RS ULTIMATE DESIGN
- HUAWEI Mate X5
- HUAWEI Mate X5 Collector’s Edition
- HUAWEI Pura 70
- HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro
- HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro+
- HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra
- HUAWEI Pocket 2
- HUAWEI Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition
Supported Tablets
The following tablets will also receive the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta:
- HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch
- HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch Collector’s Edition
- HUAWEI MatePad Pro 11-inch (2024 model)
Supported Smartwatches
The smartwatches included in the public beta are:
- HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate
- HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN
Future support in 2025
HUAWEI plans to expand support for HarmonyOS NEXT to additional models in 2025, including:
Phones
- HUAWEI Mate XT l ULTIMATE DESIGN
- HUAWEI nova Flip
- HUAWEI nova 13 series
- HUAWEI nova 12 series
Tablets
- HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2-inch
- HUAWEI MatePad Air 12-inch
- HUAWEI MatePad 11.5” S series