HUAWEI’s HarmonyOS NEXT is shedding its Android roots with a new version that is a fresh and ambitious software effort. The beta has officially launched at HDC 2024.
A New Foundation: HarmonyOS NEXT
Launched at HDC 2024, this new OS is based on OpenHarmony and features a microkernel-based core, offering a robust and efficient platform for HUAWEI devices.
HarmonyOS NEXT is not built on Android or Linux. Instead, it leverages the HarmonyOS microkernel and supports native APP applications through the Ark Compiler, integrated with HUAWEI Mobile Services (HMS) Core. This means that the OS does not support Android APK apps and files, a significant shift from its predecessors.
Despite its new foundation, HarmonyOS NEXT maintains a familiar mobile OS appearance, as showcased in recent UI demonstrations. However, it is more than just a smartphone OS; it will also power other devices in HUAWEI’s ecosystem. The new architecture promises to improve overall performance efficiency by 30%, enhance connectivity speeds threefold, and reduce power consumption by 20%. These improvements mark a significant leap in performance, although specific comparative benchmarks have not been disclosed.
HarmonyOS NEXT offers a unified architecture that seamlessly integrates local and cloud resources, enhancing interconnectivity. Users can effortlessly share content and connect applications across devices without multiple steps or installations. The OS is deeply integrated with AI, providing native features such as image generation, AI sound repair, and reading assistance for individuals with speech or vision impairments.
HarmonyOS NEXT is positioned as a multimedia powerhouse, with support for the Ark Multimedia Engine, Ark Graphics Engine, and FFRT technology. This advanced technology promises PC-level ray tracing for games, elevating the mobile gaming experience.
Currently, the HarmonyOS NEXT Beta is available exclusively in China. The global rollout plans have not yet been announced, leaving international users eager for updates on when they can experience this innovative operating system.
Pokdepinion: Not really sure what they have planned for it but one thing’s for sure, it is ambitious and is certainly needed if they want a shot at the top spot once more.
