Tipster @AdakFenglangjuxu says that Huawei could make the camera and gallery access much safer with the future HarmonyOS NEXT updates. He shared his experience with the new software beta regarding systems and third-party apps.

Most apps, especially social ones require access to the gallery and camera for media content sharing. Although this permission often raises security concerns.

But HarmonyOS NEXT ensures secure access to both these system apps in every manner. The tipster says the HarmonyOS NEXT gallery ensures all apps have safer access at all times. It validates if images/videos are obtained via secure access controls.

Adak reveals two methods to access the gallery app:

The first one uses the device system’s component to obtain data. For instance, the Mee Time app directly uses the Image Picker to access the gallery app. It supports the device system’s component to control and obtain the data.

WeChat, on the flip side, uses its UI design to control access. It doesn’t directly support the device’s system components for every app.

Most of the applications such as the GoPaint app or Weibo use the second type (their own UI design) to access the gallery app rather than the device system’s component.

HarmonyOS NEXT may further secure camera, and gallery access in the future (Image Credits: Weibo)

This might appear as insecure access to many users. The same goes for the camera app. Adak says that the camera should have a preview frame in real-time before scanning double QR codes and beauty cameras.

Such apps and services have their algorithms to access the camera which may not be secure in every manner. Note that these don’t harm your data but can’t be said safe as well. Following these points, Huawei could boost its security for gallery and camera access with the upcoming HarmonyOS NEXT versions.

(source)

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Weibo tipster @DirectorShiGuan shared an image of the alleged Huawei Mate 70 and 70 Pro covers, revealing the back design. The interesting part of these phone cases is the camera layout, which is quite similar to the Mate 50 smartphone.

Both phone covers have a circular camera module with four lens openings. Although a slight difference is visible in the lens and flash arrangements in both frames.

Starting with the standard variant, the first cover has small gaps between the lens openings. The flash void appears above the lenses with two more holes. One of these could be the laser focus, enhancing photography in low light conditions.

Looking at the image, many netizens said that the Mate 60 paid tribute to the Mate 40, and the upcoming Mate 70 will likely resemble the Mate 50 smartphone.

The Pro variant, on the other hand, shows the same four lens openings but with a wider gap. Its LED flash is placed between the two bottom lenses.

The alleged Huawei Mate 70/Pro back cover resembles the Mate 50 design (Image Credits: DirectorShiGuan/Weibo)

The standard model’s phone case seems slightly smaller than the Pro one. It is in line with some previous revelations that claimed, the Mate 70 series may bring different screen sizes.

Huawei hasn’t confirmed these details yet. Based on early inputs, the design could be accurate to some extent. Things will get more clear with the official unveiling.

Mate 70 series will bring top-of-the-line features this year. Whether we talk about software or hardware capabilities. The device is likely to excel in every manner.

In terms of design, the Huawei Mate 70 series may not feature major changes. Although it would surely be better than the previous-gen models. Also, the RS Ultimate Design could be more stunning this time, with dynamic upgrades for the display.

Read More:

• Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate Design may bring major display upgrades

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China-U.S. chip war came to light when Huawei launched the Mate 60 Pro last year with a Kirin 9000s 5G chip. Regardless of tough restrictions and challenges, the company managed to build a 5G chip for its smartphones with effective performance.

Pura 70 Ultra with Kirin 9010 and MateBook X Pro 2024’s Intel Core Ultra 9 added fuel to this chip war. As a result, the U.S. became more cautious about Huawei and China’s chipset progress. And TSMC investigation is a part of this “awareness”.

Part 1: Investigation begins

The story began last week when the U.S. suddenly started probing TSMC for if it was involved in any chip dealings with Huawei. Despite several explanations by TSMC, the U.S. didn’t find any satisfactory answers and continued its search.

If found in any dealings with Huawei, the Taiwanese firm may face punishments such as temporary restrictions on advanced chipmaking tools, fees, or more.

Although TSMC claimed that it hasn’t indulged in chipset relations with any Chinese firms including Huawei. It further said that as a law-abiding company, it will take prompt action to ensure compliance with the U.S. rules and regulations.

TSMC company (Image Credits: TSMC)

Part 2: Revelation

While the investigation was on, a research firm TechInsights revealed that one of Huawei’s AI chips has an important SoC made by TSMC. The chip is Ascend 910B which is said to use an advanced component supplied by the Taiwanese chip producer.

The discovery of this part in Huawei’s chip ultimately increased pressure on TSMC. It even informed the U.S. about this discovery immediately. It said that the company isn’t aware of this component and strongly follows all the regulations.

However, the U.S. authorities are probably seeing TSMC as a guilty firm in this case. One of the lawmakers from the U.S. – John Moolenaar stated:

“Reports that cutting-edge TSMC-manufactured chips have contributed to Huawei’s AI development represent a catastrophic failure of U.S. export control policy. Congress needs immediate answers from both Commerce and TSMC about the scope and volume of this disaster.”

Part 3: Cutting chip supply

Following the fierce investigation, TSMC has now stopped shipping its chipset to a specific client (suspected to be a supplier of Huawei). The chip producer is putting effort into proving its “no relationship with Huawei” statement.

Huawei on the other hand, said that it stopped taking any help from TSMC since 2019. Well, that means the company might have stockpiled these chips years back and is currently using them for its products. Although the matter requires more details for a clear view.

Huawei vs TSMC: U.S. begins investigation chapter on China’s chipset growth (Image Credits: Huawei)

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The tech giant is releasing the October 2024 update for Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 global units. It upgrades the security patch level to the current month.

A good part of the update is it will protect your device’s system and data from privacy exploits and harmful malware. It further increases the tablet’s potential to fight against vulnerabilities that may ruin the overall user experience.

However, the bad part is that the device is still running on the HarmonyOS 4.0 version. The company hasn’t upgraded the MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet to the 4.2 software build. We anticipate hearing about the new rollout for the flagship device soon.

According to the changelog, MatePad Pro 13.2 users can identify the new October 2024 update with the HarmonyOS 4.0.0.141 version. One has to download a software package of 356 MB to install the latest security improvements to the handset.

• Security: Integrated the October 2024 security patch to enhance the system security.

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 is getting an October 2024 security update (Image Credits: HuaweiAilesi)

October 2024 security patch fixes 6 major CVEs and 18 third-party library defects. It improves the issues related to the security, Wi-Fi, and lock-screen module.

The update also claims to offer performance optimizations for a better and more stable user experience. Hence, you should prioritize this firmware and install it as soon as possible.

HarmonyOS 4.2 rollout for global tablets?

Huawei has served the HarmonyOS 4.2 upgrade to almost every eligible tablet and wearable in the home ground. However, such a treatment is still missing for the devices in the global market.

Although the company has begun its work with the HarmonyOS NEXT and it may soon release HarmonyOS 4.2 build for the global users as well. If not immediately, the company might bring this offering by the end of this year or early 2025.

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According to Bloomberg, TSMC has stopped the chip supply for a specific client. The chipmaker suspected the respective customer to be a Huawei firm’s well-wisher, helping it develop proficient semiconductors for its products.

Inputs reveal that the Taiwanese chipmaker played this move after finding some of its major SoC parts in Ascend 910B. TSMC has been under the U.S. investigation for some weeks and its components in Huawei’s processor increased the pressure on it.

Following the new findings, some U.S. lawmakers demanded immediate answers on the TSMC chip in Huawei devices. A representative from the U.S. says:

“Reports that cutting-edge TSMC-manufactured chips have contributed to Huawei’s AI development represent a catastrophic failure of U.S. export control policy. Congress needs immediate answers from both Commerce and TSMC about the scope and volume of this disaster.”

Following these tensions, TSMC halted the chip shipments to a suspected Huawei supplier in mid-October. The firm is investigating this matter more thoroughly.

TSMC reportedly stopped chip shipments to suspected Huawei supplier (Image Credits: TSMC)

However, it’s unconfirmed if the client belongs to the Huawei supplier list or is just a normal customer. Things might be revealed as the investigation proceeds ahead.

On Tuesday, Huawei mentioned that it hasn’t built any chips via TSMC after the U.S. sanctions since 2020. That makes the matter more confusing on how the TSMC chips made their way to Chinese processors.

Earlier teardowns of Huawei products implied that the company had some stocked components for three years. Perhaps it might be using these parts in its chips.

The U.S. will continue to investigate this matter till it gets satisfactory answers to its questions. In the upcoming days, we may hear some more interesting revelations on this topic.

[Source]

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During the HarmonyOS NEXT launch event, the company showed Huawei Share in an improved avatar. The feature is available on every Huawei device and enables users to transfer files, photos, videos, and other items across multiple devices.

It runs on Bluetooth and doesn’t require an internet connection to share files. Although the enhancement now comes in its speed. HarmonyOS NEXT has ultimately increased the speed of file sharing between devices, which is better than iOS.

While iOS takes around 14 seconds to transfer a 1.2GB file, HarmonyOS NEXT takes only 8 seconds. Thus, Huawei Share has become faster than Apple AirDrop.

The overall sharing speed is three times faster than the previous software versions. HarmonyOS NEXT utilizes a new distributed soft bus and cross-device connection that reduces power consumption and allows 4 devices to connect at the same time.

HarmonyOS NEXT file sharing speed is faster than Apple iOS (Image Credits: Huawei)

Multi-User Sharing

Another major upgrade to the Huawei Share is transferring files to many individuals at once. Earlier, the feature was able to share files to one device at a time. However, HarmonyOS NEXT upgrades the capability and allows sharing with many persons.

Next is the “touch-to-share” functionality. With the help of NFC, Huawei Share can sense and connect with any other device by just being close to it, to share files.

The feature is not only limited to the system apps and media content but can expand to third-party applications as well. Users can share Taobao links, Bilibili videos, and other app content. Also, one can share these files with just a simple touch.

He Gang – the CEO of Huawei Consumer Business said the touch feature will soon come to smart TVs, tablets, and automobile cockpits to offer a convenient user experience. One would be able to enjoy faster sharing than ever before.

HarmonyOS NEXT file sharing speed (Image Credits: Huawei/Weibo)

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Here’s the HarmonyOS NEXT Roadmap

October 8, 2024

These are the first batch devices that participated in the public beta activity including:

• Huawei Mate 60 series
• Huawei Mate X5 series
• Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series

Interestingly, these phone and tablet users have unlimited testing slots and can experience the upcoming features firsthand prior to the official rollout.

October 22, 2024

Starting today, Huawei will push the public HarmonyOS NEXT beta for the following devices:

• Huawei Pura 70 series
• Huawei Pocket 2
• Huawei MatePad Pro 11-inch 2024 Edition

2025

HarmonyOS Upgrade Roampap will expand next year with the following models

• Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design
• Huawei Nova Flip
• Huawei Nova 13 series
• Huawei Nova 12 series
• Huawei MatePad pro 12.2
• Huawei MatePad Air 12-inch
• Huawei MatePad 11.5 series

The company has confirmed that more devices will be announced later on as the testing and compatibility phase progresses.

Stable

Following the public beta activity, Huawei will release a full build for these devices. However, no official rollout date is confirmed for stable release.

HarmonyOS NEXT

This HarmonyOS version brings a new user interface with a redesigned control center, intuitive sliders, and large switches.

It improved the lock screen and home screen personalization. The OS has increased app security and apps that don’t meet the safety requirement cannot be installed on the system.

It has encrypted file security for users to user sharing. The ARK engine has upgraded for graphics, media, memory, scheduling, storage, lower power consumption, and better internet surfing.

Compared to HarmonyOS 4, HarmonyOS NEXT brings 1.5GB memory running memory efficiency. It is 30 percent fluent and provides more than 55 minutes of battery efficiency.

Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT Upgrade Roadmap (Source – Huawei)

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Today, Huawei will likely launch the stable HarmonyOS NEXT version. It may also share the upgrade plan for more compatible phones, tablets, and other devices.

Ahead of this event, the company unexpectedly opened the second round of the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta program. The new beta pool will unlock several interesting and significant features for the devices, bringing an efficient experience.

Users may also find certain enhancements for the existing features and better UI changes with the new testing build. One can check the eligible device list below.

HarmonyOS NEXT public beta 2 program: Devices

• Pura 70
• Pura 70 Satellite SMS Edition
• Pura 70 Pro
• Pura 70 Pro+
• Pura 70 Ultra
• Pocket 2
• Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition
• MatePad Pro 11 2024

Huawei begins second round of HarmonyOS NEXT public beta (Image Credits: ITHome)

Note that if your device is running on the HarmonyOS NEXT closed beta build, then don’t have to re-register in the activity. The company will push the new version automatically in batches. If not received immediately, wait patiently.

Users who are new to this activity can take the help of the My Huawei app to sign up for the beta program. Follow these instructions to register for the activity:

• Open the My Huawei App
• Tap on Home
• Select “Upgrade and Try”
• Click on the Public Beta project
• Follow the on-screen instructions

Once done, the company will review the applications and start pushing the new HarmonyOS NEXT public beta update. You can keep an eye on the Settings app > System & Updates > Software Updates to carry out a manual installation.

Points to Note

Being a beta build, users might discover some issues after the new update installation. For instance, abnormal functioning of some apps, freezing, overheating, battery draining, and more. Don’t worry as this is a normal process and may resolve with the upcoming software versions.

We also suggest taking a complete backup of your device beforehand to avoid any kind of data loss. You can use the newly launched cloud backup service.

Huawei begins second round of HarmonyOS NEXT public beta (Image Credits: ITHome)

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Let’s explore the newly launched speaker in detail.

Design

Huawei launches Sound X4 speaker with the same 3D curved surface as the previous-gen models. It brings smart colorful light effects that move as per the sound. The device is available in two bashing colors: Rhythmic Black and Dynamic White.

Internal parameters: Speakers

It has a dimension of 175.6 x 175.6 x 224mm and weighs around 3150 gm. Sound X4 packs a pure titanium film tweeter, a self-developed mica fiber diaphragm with a midrange speaker, and a 50W sub-tweeter to provide clear sound all the time.

The device supports eight-speaker units which count one 4.75-inch woofer (rated 50W power), four 1.5-inch full-range speakers (5W power each), one 1.25-inch tweeter (3W power), and two passive radiators. It has a frequency response range of 40kHz.

All these eight units bring sound effects like a symphony orchestra. Huawei Sound X4 supports dual channels and an AC adapter with a 24V/2.71A power supply. The compact speaker also has six microphones with a ring array.

Device Controls

Huawei Sound X4 has the following touch buttons: Volume + – button, mic button, play/pause tab, and a lighting control tab on the top center. It can well manage voice, app, and button controls and ensures an interruption-free sound experience.

As mentioned, the device supports a ring of lights that acts as indicators for connection, voice response, status indication, music effects, light wallpaper, and more.

Huawei Sound X4 controls (Image Credits: Huawei)

Features and Capabilities

Huawei Sound X4 has received the high-res high-definition sound quality certificate. It claims to provide more sound details bringing richer as well as more immersive audio to listeners.

It runs on the HUAWEI SOUND Bass enhancement algorithm that actively manages vibration, reduces distortion, and improves the response of low frequencies. The algorithm further helps to achieve powerful performance with rich bass texture.

Smart Sound Field: It spreads sound waves to recognize the room structure and receive feedback. This helps the device automatically match the sound effects in the spatial scenarios. It creates a unique sound field wherever you put it.

HarmonyOS one-touch voice transmission: Just touch the speaker once with your phone and the music will immediately start playing. One can put the speaker close to phones, tablets, PC, or smart TVs and auto-connect both devices without any app.

The device also supports Super Device and cinema-level sound effects. It is a perfect speaker that lets you easily control smart home products.

Price and availability

Huawei Sound X4 is open for sale on Huawei Mall for 1999 yuan. The original rate is 2499 yuan. Users can also pick guarantee services as per their preference.

Huawei Sound X4 features (Image Credits: Huawei)

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Huawei is unable to access high-end chipmaking tools due to U.S. sanctions. Now the foreign authorities are planning more challenges for the company in semiconductor manufacturing. They are pressing Biden to impose more restrictions.

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi – the members of the House Select Committee on strategic conflicts between the U.S. and China, recently wrote a letter to Gina Raimondo (Commerce Secretary) on Chinese tech progress concerns.

The letter highlights that the Biden administration should increase export controls to block Huawei’s secretive chip network growth. The “clandestine semiconductor facilities” of Huawei will ultimately harm U.S. security on a large scale.

“…Just as you have taken steps to prohibit Huawei from purchasing U.S. chips, it is similarly important and logical to restrict the flow of SME to prevent Huawei from fabricating its chips. Restricting the flow… will send an important signal to… Huawei that the United States will take action to prevent U.S. technology from enabling its problematic technology ambitions.” (via)

According to Bloomberg, Huawei is currently teaming up with Pengxinxu, SwaySure Technology, and Qingdao SiEn to expand its chip network. These firms are free from U.S. restrictions and do not count in the Entity list.

US lawmakers urge tougher restrictions on Huawei chip tech: Report (Image Credits: Huawei)

Huawei also collaborated with the PXW Semiconductor to accelerate its chipmaking process. But later, the U.S. added the respective firm to the entity list, prohibiting it from accessing advanced technologies. Now they are planning the same treatment for the above-mentioned firms to block ways for Huawei.

The Commerce Department has said to respond on this matter soon with their appropriate mediums.

Huawei launched a 7nm chip last year which belongs to the SMIC foundry. Since then, the U.S. started eyeing the OEM for every step it takes in chipmaking.

The U.S. authorities canceled the licenses of many foreign semiconductor firms from selling chipsets or chipmaking equipment to Huawei. ASML is one of the major examples of this aspect. Now lawmakers are urging to ban 120+ Chinese companies and impose fresh restrictions on chip tool sales in China.

Apart from its own efforts, the U.S. is pressuring its neighboring countries to impose the same restrictions on China. Although they didn’t show much interest.

How Huawei will make its steps more firm in the chip tech field amid these US restrictions and export problems would be worth looking forward to.

[Source]

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