HarmonyOS: Huawei’s Quest for Independence

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile operating systems, two giants—Android and iOS—have long held sway. However, there’s a new contender on the horizon: HarmonyOS (also known as HongmengOS). Developed by Huawei, this ambitious operating system aims to break free from the Android-iOS duopoly. But what drives Huawei’s pursuit of independence? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of HarmonyOS.

The Android-Apple Duopoly: A Decade of Dominance

For almost a decade, Android and iOS have reigned supreme. Android, an open-source platform backed by Google, powers a vast array of devices, from budget smartphones to flagship models. iOS, Apple’s proprietary system, boasts a loyal user base drawn to its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Together, they form an unassailable duopoly.

Huawei’s Operating System Odyssey

Huawei, a global tech giant, faced a critical juncture in its tech journey. The company’s reliance on Android became a risk when the US government placed it on an entity list in 2019, cutting off access to Google Mobile Services (GMS). Suddenly, Huawei’s high-end semiconductors and Android operating system were major vulnerabilities. The risk was clear: a single political decision could cripple Huawei’s global operations.

The Birth of HarmonyOS

Huawei’s response was bold: create its own operating system. Enter HarmonyOS, a versatile system designed to scale across various devices. Here’s why Huawei embarked on this audacious journey:

• Diversification and Risk Mitigation: HarmonyOS provides an alternative to Android. By developing its own OS, Huawei reduces reliance on the Android-Apple duopoly. It’s a strategic move to safeguard against geopolitical uncertainties.
• Open Source and Ecosystem Building: Huawei made HarmonyOS open source and free. It encourages adoption by other handset and smart device makers. With over 20 hardware partners and 2.3 million registered developers, Huawei is building an ecosystem beyond its own devices.
• IoT Potential: HarmonyOS extends beyond smartphones. It can be mounted on IoT devices like TVs, cars, and smart home appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) era presents vast opportunities, and Huawei aims to capitalize on them.

HarmonyOS vs. Android vs. iOS: The Key Differences

Let’s compare the three operating systems:

HarmonyOS:

• Hardware Platform: Beyond mobile phones, it can be deployed on various IoT devices.
• Growth Area: IoT devices hold immense potential.
• Advantages: Open source, fluency, and distributed capabilities.
• Disadvantages: Still a newborn system in its growing phase.

iOS:

• Hardware Platform: Primarily mobile phones.
• Advantages: Smooth performance.
• Disadvantages: Closed ecosystem.

Android:

• Hardware Platform: Primarily mobile phones.
• Advantages: Open source.
• Disadvantages: Fragmentation and occasional stuttering.

HarmonyOS in Action

Huawei launched the beta version of HarmonyOS 2.0 for developers in December 2020. It supports multi-screen collaboration, fast network access, adaptive UX, and one-time deployment. HarmonyOS aims to provide a full-scenario ecosystem experience.

The Broader Implications

Huawei’s quest for independence isn’t just about its own survival. It reflects a broader trend: the political weaponization of the tech supply chain. Companies worldwide now prioritize building alternative supply chains for critical tech. HarmonyOS represents a strategic move in this high-stakes game.

In conclusion

HarmonyOS isn’t merely an operating system; it’s Huawei’s bid for autonomy, innovation, and resilience in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.