Wang Boli – an app developer explored the HarmonyOS NEXT beta build and tries its features. During his exploration, Wang discovered that the new Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT is a closed operating system, similar to iOS.

Simply put, the new HarmonyOS version doesn’t support smartphones or devices from other brands. It will only work with Huawei products as it is a closed operating system just like Apple iOS.

Wang further said HarmonyOS NEXT is a unified and complete operating system. Yet it seems a bit difficult to understand in some aspects. Whereas, the third-party OS(s) appears relatively simple with minimalistic features.

The app developer anticipates that Huawei will enhance the new OS and make it even better in the future. We can expect more interesting changes as well.

HarmonyOS NEXT is a closed operating system, just like iOS: Developer (Image Credits: MyDrivers)

HarmonyOS NEXT is based on OpenHarmony, an open-source distributed operating system. Huawei says that the new OS is a true and real operating system.

Unlike the previous versions, HarmonyOS NEXT doesn’t contain any U.S.-based components. For instance, Linux, other system kernels, programming languages, and more.

But since it eliminates Android codes, it loses the points of supporting other apps except for the native ones. Yu Chengdong – the Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business said that HarmonyOS NEXT will connect many devices under various scenarios.

Huawei has achieved an operating system in 10 years that took the US and Europe 30 years to develop. It will slowly bring more new changes and useful enhancements that can be beneficial for users and other customers in every manner.

(source)

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exFAT

This HarmonyOS NEXT update has added support for exFAT file system format. This will enable the operating system to detect additional external storage devices.

Extensible File Allocation Table (exFAT) is a file system that is an upgraded version of FAT32. It enables the system to efficiently process large files and storage devices.

It was first introduced in 2006 by Microsoft to replace FAT32 on devices with flash memory such as USB and SD cards. FAT32 has a 4GB size limit but exFAT could handle much larger files.

Furthermore, exFAT is supported by various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. This allows the user to seamlessly share files between different devices.

HarmonyOS NEXT with exFAT storage support

Charging and other improvements

The new update boosts turbocharging mode to improve overall user experience. The firmware also improves the user interface and optimizes system stability for better performance.

There’s a fix for Celia keyboard which resolves some issues with character position. On the other hand, devices with facial recognition have been facing issues with random unlock errors, which is addressed with this software.

The contact app is getting a new fix for issues in deleting and merging similar contacts. Eventually, the update has optimized the system for a better user experience in some situations.

Beta

Released on October 8, the public beta campaign has gathered more than a million users. The current activity is limited to flagship devices and will expand to other models as the activity progresses.

The program has unlimited test slots and any users with eligible devices can opt for public beta, folowed by OTA release.

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WPS Office is an all-in-one office suite that contains Word, PowerPoint, PDF, Excel, and more. It is launched by Kingsoft Team and supports all types of operating systems like Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, FireOS, and HarmonyOS.

The company teamed up with Huawei last year to develop the HarmonyOS NEXT-based WPS Office app. Now the application is ready and is open for public testing.

Inputs reveal that HarmonyOS NEXT beta users can test the new WPS Office app version and experience its amazing features. The company has made the app smarter, smoother, and safer with the HarmonyOS NEXT core features and tools.

The official WPS Office channel states that it took a year to convert 40 million lines of code across the platform. As a result, the app not only runs smoothly on PCs but can easily adapt to multiple devices (phones, tablets, TVs) with a seamless flow.

WPS Office HarmonyOS NEXT app version begins public testing (Image Credits: ITHome)

Features

The app can easily run on devices with different screen sizes without ruining its visuals. It also supports multi-collaboration, editing, easy browsing, data sharing, and several other AI features to enhance the overall user experience.

As mentioned, users with devices running on the HarmonyOS NEXT beta build can participate in the latest native HarmonyOS app testing. Others have to wait for the subsequent software updates to experience the new application versions.

Note: Apart from WPS Office, Pinduoduo as well as the Weibo native HarmonyOS apps are also available in the HarmonyOS NEXT AppGallery and eligible users can explore new features of these applications.

(source)

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Are you excited about HarmonyOS NEXT public beta going live next week? Let’s take a look at some key points that will ease the software testing for users.

The HarmonyOS NEXT public beta activity will happen for selected device users. These are the first batch models that have been a constant part of new software testing:

• Mate 60
• Mate 60 Pro
• Mate 60 Pro+
• Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design
• Mate X5
• Mate X5 Collector’s Edition
• MatePad Pro 13.2
• MatePad Pro 13.2 Collector’s Edition

Other flagship models like the Pura 70 series, Pocket 2, and MatePad Pro 11 2024 may join this list in the coming weeks. Till then, make sure that your device is up-to-date and has sufficient storage space as the beta build weighs more than a GB.

Unlike previous HarmonyOS versions, the HarmonyOS NEXT rollout could be different. It doesn’t support any Android codes or apps. It uses Huawei’s self-developed OS components like Harmony kernel which is 3x more efficient than Linux.

This means that HarmonyOS NEXT could be incompatible with some apps on your device. Hence, don’t panic if a few apps work abnormally after the beta installation. Also, you may get chance to explore many native apps alongside the new beta update.

HarmonyOS NEXT closed beta

The company recently kicked off the HarmonyOS NEXT.0.0.70 beta version for eligible devices. The list includes both first and second-batch models. It comes with over 1GB of OTA update package and contains several features to improve user experience.

Notably, users must have sufficient storage space in their devices. We advise at least 5GB of free space in your phones or tablets as the package size may vary depending on the model.

Bugs and Backup

Since it’s a beta activity, there may be some serious bugs and software issues in the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta. However, it’s a completely normal behavior of ‘under-development’ software. Still, we suggest proceeding at your risk for the upgrade.

Also, this is a completely new and different software version from the past builds. The installation might delete all the previous data on your device. Therefore, we recommend a full backup of your handset to avoid any kind of data loss.

How to register?

Eligible device users can apply for the public beta activity via the My Huawei App. Go to the Me section and select the Join Beta Project. Tap on the available Beta Program. Fill in your correct details and apply. One can share feedback or report issues through the same app or using the Huawei Community.

HarmonyOS NEXT Features:

The new software upgrade focuses on six major aspects: native apps, native security, native refinements, native smoothness, native intelligence, and native interconnectivity. Some key implementations in the new software are:

• Star Sheild Security: Ensures complete protection of your data and device from malicious apps and any other privacy threat.
• Cloud Rendering: Makes the gaming apps faster, smoother, and more realistic.
• Live Window with a large lock screen widget
• Upgraded text input method
• Scan-to-go feature

Let’s see what else the company will introduce with the upcoming HarmonyOS NEXT public beta program next week.

HarmonyOS NEXT public beta will launch next week (Image Credits: Huawei Central)

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During the Huawei Connect 2024 event, Zhu Yonggang – the President of Huawei Mobile Cloud said the HarmonyOS ecosystem has completed the 17-year progress journey of others (Android and iOS) in 1 year. This is a big achievement for the firm.

The credit for this quick progress journey goes to 1000+ partners who have joined the HarmonyOS ecosystem. Some of these are Ant Group, China UnionPay, and iFlytek.

Android’s 17-year progress journey refers to its success rate in the operating system market. Both Android and iOS are considered the top smartphone OS(s). They are full of ultimate features, new customizations, smart tools, and AI capabilities.

Yet, these operating systems took 17 years (iOS’s first version: 2007 and Android’s first version: 2008) to reach their current status and achieve high success rates.

But HarmonyOS achieved new heights unexpectedly. Zhu says that it would have been impossible to begin HarmonyOS development again from scratch. Hence, the company opted to improve and upgrade its software with cutting-edge solutions.

As of now, HarmonyOS NEXT is much faster, smoother, and better than Android. It equips microkernel which is 3x more efficient than traditional Linux.

HarmonyOS achieved 17 years of Android’s progress in 1 year: Huawei (Image Credits: Huawei/Android)

At the same time, developers and partners have been a great support in the HarmonyOS ecosystem’s development. They have made progress super speedy, compared to other operating systems. 900+ million devices already run on HarmonyOS.

On the flip side, the number of registered developers in Huawei Developer Alliance is 6.75 million (a 10 times increase in 5 years). The company also takes good care of its developers. It has been investing 6 billion yuan every year to boost developer innovation.

“HarmonyOS does not compete for profits, set limits, or stop. It insists on investing more than 6 billion yuan each year to support and encourage its developers to innovate.”

HarmonyOS has already outperformed iOS in Q1 2024 in China. With new features and upgraded capabilities, HarmonyOS seems ready to become the second-largest smartphone operating system in China.

[Source]

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Zhu Yonggang – the President of Huawei Mobile Cloud says that the native HarmonyOS NEXT will bring innovative and a brand-new experience to users’ doorsteps.

The new HarmonyOS is built on the latest system architecture and runs on native intelligence, distributed soft bus, and Star Shield security. All these components ensure an impressive visual as well as faster, smoother, and safer device performance.

HarmonyOS NEXT abandons all traditional foreign elements. It has the first microkernel which is 3 times more efficient than Linux. This kernel is highly secure and has qualified for various industry-higher-level certifications.

Another key factor of the new self-developed OS is native intelligence. The company has reformed AI-centered intelligence to obtain the best and the most comprehensive intelligence for system apps. A good example of this component is Celia.

Celia Assistant

Celia is upgraded to the next level. It is full of interesting features and smart services. It equips the large Pangu AI model to manage third-party apps and connects them to the HarmonyOS native app ecosystem. Huawei has also readied a new and smarter virtual assistant based on the high-level interaction of large models.

This assistant can think, plan, perform arts, and achieve more natural interaction with users. It offers an easy understanding so that users can enjoy asking questions, taking help in notes, document intelligence, and dialogue recognition on screen more conveniently.

Native HarmonyOS is full of innovative power (Image Credits: Huawei)

Multi-device collaboration is easier

Zhu says the HarmonyOS NEXT offers a seamless service flow and sharing experience. It also supports app continuation. Just bring two devices close and click the pop-up icon to seamlessly continue the task of one device on another. These devices could be phones, tablets, notebooks, or even smart cars.

Amap, DingTalk, and WPS are the best examples of app continuation at present. They even support features like a cross-device copy-and-paste tool for the gallery.

The President further adds that HarmonyOS NEXT is the most powerful OS in terms of security and privacy to date – thanks to the new Star Shield Security architecture. It manages kernel security, system protection, and full-process purity.

According to the  Huawei official, HarmonyOS NEXT works on ‘one system, one ecosystem’. This is why, it aims to connect multiple devices and situations under the interaction umbrella.

The company invests around 6 billion yuan every year to boost innovation in its HarmonyOS ecosystem. After the HarmonyOS NEXT beta launch, the company kicked off over 6 versions. It also received 1 million+ feedback and suggestions.

Perhaps the stable HarmonyOS NEXT version would be an extremely better software system for Huawei device owners.

Native HarmonyOS is full of innovative power (Image Credits: Huawei)

(source)

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Early news said that Chen Xinxin – a Huawei official confirmed the release of HarmonyOS NEXT by the end of this month. But later, a tipster refuted this input saying that consumers have to wait till October to experience the new software.

Now @FixedFocus has said that HarmonyOS NEXT stable version could launch by mid-October. The tipster mentioned that HarmonyOS NEXT will battle with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Judging from this statement, it seems the software may launch before Qualcomm’s next-gen flagship chipset.

Qualcomm is expected to unveil its new chip around October 21st. Perhaps, HarmonyOS NEXT may go official before this date. A few netizens said that Huawei might release the stable version right after the Spring Festival (from October 1 to 7).

Thus, we have an expected timeline for HarmonyOS NEXT stable launch: October 8 to 20. However, only Huawei can confirm the accuracy of these revelations.

HarmonyOS NEXT stable version might release by mid-October (Image Credits: Weibo)

If we look back, Huawei began rolling out the HarmonyOS 4 stable version in August 2023. But this time, the story is different as HarmonyOS NEXT is a real and self-developed operating system. It is free of traditional Android components like Linux.

The software is also faster, smoother, and safer than its previous versions. At the same time, the company is trying to adapt native HarmonyOS apps for a more convenient and reliable user experience.

Yu Chengdong confirmed that HarmonyOS NEXT stable version will meet consumers in Spring. Hence, the software development and current leaks seem on the right track. Things will get more clear in the coming days. Till then, you can have a look at HarmonyOS NEXT capabilities below.

• HarmonyOS NEXT is taking ‘HarmonyOS’ to a whole new level
• HarmonyOS NEXT to bring new multi-device collaboration features
• Huawei Pura 70 series receives first HarmonyOS NEXT beta

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The Chinese tech giant is seemingly set to challenge Windows as well as macOS with its alleged HarmonyOS PC software system. Before we jump into the details, let’s briefly explore Huawei’s new operating system journey in the home ground.

HarmonyOS NEXT vs Android

At the onset of this year, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS NEXT – a true and real operating system. By ‘real’, it means that the OS is free of U.S.-based components and Android. The aim is to break the rule of the foreign OS platforms in the native region.

The official details reveal that Huawei removed all source code linked to Android or Linux and seeded self-developed components to its new operating system.

HarmonyOS NEXT base elements include Pangu AI model, ArkUI-X programming framework, HarmonyOS Design, MindSpore AI Framework, Harmony kernel (3 times more efficient than Linux), Ark Compiler, Cangjie language, and DevEco Studio.

HarmonyOS NEXT (Image Credits: Huawei)

Huawei even moved away from the Android Open Source Project in favor of a custom OS architecture. In other words, HarmonyOS NEXT won’t support Google or Android-compatible apps in the future. Yet, it will improve the performance of Huawei devices.

The work is already in action as Huawei partnered with several app developers. Many of the Android alternative apps began adapting to the HarmonyOS-based native app versions. The company will also introduce some of the game apps on July 26.

Other app examples count WeChat, a Chinese alternative to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Bilibili, Taobao, Yiche, and more. This shows that the U.S. sanctions have ultimately made the company more independent and powerful in China.

HarmonyOS NEXT-based applications (Image Credits: Huawei)

HarmonyOS PC vs Windows: Huawei’s next goal?

Apart from HarmonyOS NEXT, the Chinese OEM is also working on a computer-dedicated software HarmonyOS PC. Huawei’s former executive – Wang Chenglu said last year that the firm is developing a new PC software and could launch in 2024.

Many leaks mentioned that the new PC software will arrive this year. Even though the company has not officially announced this matter yet. But a recent revelation points out that Huawei could introduce the HarmonyOS PC in the upcoming months.

Some snaps on the official Huawei Developer website allegedly show the HarmonyOS PC UI layout. The overall view of the PC interface appears quite similar to macOS. Meanwhile, the minimalistic look and efficiency seem more effective than Windows.

Huawei could next aim for Windows after exiting Android roots in China (Image Credits: Huawei)

The leak further highlights audio, video, social, networking, and many other applications on the PC. The outlook appears spacious with easy-to-navigate features.

• Read More: HarmonyOS PC UI design allegedly surfaced on Huawei Developer website

Chinese government is constantly backing Huawei for its HarmonyOS ecosystem development. Perhaps the results will be visible on this matter with HarmonyOS NEXT stable version release in the fourth quarter of this year.

At the same time, the company might also introduce the most-awaited computer-dedicated software. With similar or even better features for HarmonyOS PC, Huawei might oust Windows from China, following Android exit.

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Yu Chengdong – Huawei Consumer Business Chairman cited that the company has been working for five years on HarmonyOS. Over time, Huawei has tried to make HarmonyOS newer and better with interesting features and useful improvements.

Now HarmonyOS NEXT is arriving as a breakthrough in the operating system’s core technology with upgraded fluency, smart services, and the utmost convenience for users. It’s independent of Android components like Linux and uses self-developed parts like AI big model, AK framework, and other technologies.

Huawei launches HarmonyOS NEXT beta with many capabilities that will help users with seamless connections, safer operations, and smarter features on devices.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta components (Image Credits: Huawei)

The new software is based on OpenHarmony and uses a unified system architecture that combines the cloud facilities and brings three main traits: native intelligence, native security, and a completely revamped innovative experience for devices.

HarmonyOS NEXT mainly focuses on the seamless interconnection of apps on multiple devices. Users will be able to freely share content or connect applications between devices without going through several steps or installation processes.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta interconnectivity (Image Credits: Huawei)

Not only system applications but the OS also makes third-party apps smoother and more reliable on Huawei devices – thanks to the support of Ark Multimedia Engine, Ark Graphics Engine, and FFRT. It will also boost the gaming experience, making it more immersive, realistic, and PC-level ray tracing quality.

For devices, HarmonyOS NEXT has improved the overall performance efficiency by 30%. This will make your Huawei phones and tablets even more stable. The connectivity speed is increased by 3 times, resulting in quick connections between devices.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta performance (Image Credits: Huawei)

The company also looked after the energy part and reduced the power consumption by 20%. But this doesn’t end here. The highlight of HarmonyOS NEXT is AI.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta power efficiency (Image Credits: Huawei)

Huawei has HarmonyOS Intelligence which accompanies AI facilities to your doorstep. It sports features like AI image generation that glorifies images to a greater extent. The next is AI sound repair which helps people with speech impairment to communicate.

Celia now comes in an upgraded avatar and enables visually impaired users to read in a better way. Apart from this, the company has also introduced a new Star Shield security architecture to offer pure and controlled privacy protection for your data.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta security (Image Credits: Huawei)

To sum up, Huawei implemented new changes to make its HarmonyOS a way better version than previous upgrades. Things will get clearer when the official changelog will roll out to users.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta features (Image Credits: Huawei)

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Weibo news account @SinaTechnology reports that Huawei will release its self-developed programming language “Cangjie” at the HDC 2024. The company has accomplished the last link of HarmonyOS ecosystem and is ready to showcase on the stage.

This would be the first time Huawei will bring its programming language to consumers. During the HarmonyOS NEXT developer preview event in January, the OEM hinted at this new change. Although things may finally become official today.

Huawei programming language to debut at HDC 2024 event (Image Credits: Weibo)

Cangjie Programming Language: Previous Details

Huawei applied for the ‘Cangjie’ trademark in 2020. Since then, the firm has been putting efforts to bring in an efficient language for its software and application developers.

‘Cangjie’ refers to the inventor of Chinese characters. With a legendary name, Huawei said that the company will soon launch a new research programming language for both HarmonyOS and Euler operating systems for app development.

In 2022, Huawei initiated the trial registration of its programming language, aiming to unveil it in the second half of the year. But hereafter, this matter never came into the news.

Now the ‘Cangjie’ language is said to be used in the HarmonyOS NEXT for the first time. Huawei has also renamed one of its Weibo accounts ‘Programming Language Lab’ to ‘Cangjie Programming Language’. Other than this, the company seems to have a ‘Cangjie Language Assistant’ based on HarmonyOS native app efficient development.

Huawei will likely share details on this matter at the HDC 2024 event alongside launching HarmonyOS NEXT beta and some other highly efficient products.

Huawei to develop a new Celia super assistant (Image Credits: Huawei)

Pangu 5.0 model and Celia ‘Super Assistant’ are also on the list. The Chinese phone maker will unveil most of the software-related products today while introducing some useful Cloud strategies and AI-based plans for industrial development in the other two days (June 22-23).

HarmonyOS NEXT: Independent OS

Even though HarmonyOS is Huawei’s self-developed OS, it has been relying on Android AOSP and Linux components so far. But with the ‘NEXT’ version, the company has switched to a ‘true and independent OS’ by using self-developed elements.

At the first 2024 HarmonyOS NEXT event, Huawei shared a list of components used for the new software system. It counts the Pangu AI model, MindSpore AI Framework, HarmonyOS design, Harmony kernel, and more.

Today the company will unveil more details regarding the new software. All we need is to wait for a few more hours.

Huawei programming language to debut at HDC 2024 event (Image Credits: Huawei)

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