In Huawei Developer Conference (HDC) 2024, Huawei has introduced HarmonyOS NEXT, a very different OS from its previous operating system iterations. This new version shows a step towards creating a fully independent software ecosystem, free from Android’s codebase.
Also Read: Synthesia 2.0 Introduces Full-Body AI Avatars for Communication
HarmonyOS NEXT represents an evolution from its previous operating system, HarmonyOS 4. Unlike its earlier versions, which relied on the Linux kernel and Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, HarmonyOS NEXT is built on a Huawei-developed microkernel and is completely independent of Android.
Huawei claims that HarmonyOS NEXT boosts overall system performance by 30% compared to HarmonyOS 4.
This improvement is expected to enhance the user experience by reducing app launch times, enabling smoother multitasking and providing a more responsive interface.
The new operating system is designed to be more power-efficient with a reported 20% reduction in power consumption. This translates to longer battery life and better energy management across devices.
HarmonyOS NEXT integrates a suite of AI-powered features under the banner of Harmony Intelligence. This system leverages local processing power to perform tasks such as image generation, sound quality enhancement and providing environmental descriptions through audio cues.
The OS includes advanced text-to-speech functionality, which reads on-screen content aloud, benefiting visually impaired users.
Developers can utilize Harmony Intelligence to incorporate features like real-time text reading, smart form filling and image or text translation in their applications.
HarmonyOS NEXT prioritizes user data protection through stringent application verification processes. This ensures that only authorized apps can access system resources, reducing the risk of malicious software.
Users are given greater control over app behavior with detailed permission settings. This feature allows users to manage which applications can access specific device functions and data.
The OS employs an end-to-end data encryption, ensuring that sensitive information is secure during transmission across multiple devices.
This is particularly crucial in an era where data breaches and cyber threats are common. The success of HarmonyOS NEXT hinges on the development of a thriving app ecosystem.
Huawei is actively encouraging developers to create applications compatible with its new architecture. This effort is to attract users and provide a transition from existing platforms.
Huawei offers tools and support for developers to adapt their apps to HarmonyOS NEXT including the Ark Compiler and Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) Core.
These resources are designed to simplify the development process and ensure a wide range of apps are available at launch.
HarmonyOS NEXT promises to be a multimedia powerhouse supporting advanced technologies like the Ark Multimedia Engine and the Ark Graphics Engine.
These features aim to deliver superior audio-visual experiences from high-quality streaming to enhanced graphics for gaming.
The OS supports advanced gaming technologies including PC-level ray tracing, which promises to bring high-quality graphics and gameplay to mobile devices.
HarmonyOS NEXT introduces an innovative intent framework that actively perceives user operations and provides intelligent recommendations.
Tailors suggestions based on specific scenarios like driving, travel and meetings, enhancing the relevance and usefulness of the recommendations.
Also Read: Meta AI Launches in India on Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram
Adapts to user habits to offer personalized suggestions making the system more intuitive over time. Provides services based on current events and the user’s location that the recommendations are timely and contextually appropriate.
Encourages users to engage with the system through skill invocation and local search capabilities.
The Xiaoyi Smart Assistant is at the core of the new recommendation system, offering a multimodal interaction experience.
Supports various interaction modalities including voice and touch allowing for flexible and convenient access to services. Automates routine tasks such as scheduling and reminders.
HarmonyOS NEXT enhances user engagement by providing recommendations through suggestion cards that are informed by user behavior and environmental context.
Utilizes user and environmental data to suggest relevant scene service cards for contexts like hospitals, subway stations and tourist attractions.
The system learns from time patterns, location characteristics, device status and event information to continuously refine its recommendations.
HarmonyOS NEXT simplifies QR code scanning with its streamlined aggregate code scanning feature.
A permanently accessible feature in the control center allows for quick and easy QR code scanning for services such as payments, food orders and package retrievals.
Ensures compatibility with all mainstream QR codes providing direct access to the appropriate service interfaces without any additional steps.
Integrates into the Camera App and can be added to the control center and lock screen, enabling users to access scanning functions even when the screen is locked.
Also Read: Apple Charged Huge Fine for Violating EU’s DMA Rules
Enhances scanning accuracy with integrated camera zoom functionality that adapts to varying distances and lighting conditions including low-light environments and complex settings.
The input method system in HarmonyOS NEXT is upgraded with the IME Kit. It Simplifies the process of switching between input methods with a long press for selection and a short press for quick switching.
Provides real-time previews of input content via pinyin, voice or photography for the accuracy of input and reducing errors.
Prompts users to enable third-party input methods and provides security reminders. Recognizes input data from the clipboard and Huawei account, offering one-click fill options and associating input suggestions with historical data and contacts.
Adopts the “Less is More” principle by reducing redundant messages and intelligently aggregating notifications in high-frequency scenarios.
Provides dynamic information displays covering various usage scenarios such as travel, delivery, flights and match scores.
The playback control center in HarmonyOS NEXT has been upgraded to support a wider range of audio and video functionalities.
Includes features like lock screen card display, playlists and audio recommendations will provide a richer and more convenient media experience.
Supports playback control within apps and on large screens, facilitating a smoother user experience.
Enables easy switching between devices during media playback with built-in support for 4K quality broadcasting. Integrates with popular services such as Huawei Music, QQ Music, NetEase Cloud Music, Huawei Video, Bilibili, CCTV Video and more.
HarmonyOS NEXT does not support Android apps, making it a distinct platform that requires developers to create or port their apps specifically for HarmonyOS NEXT.
It Introduces AI features such as image generation, sound repair, image-to-audio descriptions for visually impaired users and AI-enhanced translation capabilities.
HarmonyOS NEXT is scheduled for a commercial launch in the fourth quarter of 2024. This timeline gives developers ample time to adapt their applications to the new OS.
The introduction of HarmonyOS NEXT is set to make waves in the mobile operating system market. Its success will depend on factors such as developer adoption, app availability and user acceptance.
As the launch date approaches, the industry will closely monitor how HarmonyOS NEXT performs against established competitors like Android and iOS.
Also Read: Apple’s Apple Intelligence Won’t Launch in the EU in 2024
