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For as long as we can remember, Android and iOS have been two of the hardest hitters in the battle for the best operating system for phones. However, Huawei’s new breakthrough technology - HarmonyOS brings something else to the table that may make it on par with some of the best-operating systems in the market.
HUAWEI's OS Progress
Huawei has been putting in the works to develop a brand new operating system for their newest line of smartphones revolving around the concept of a connected life. According to Huawei, the problem of current dominant operating systems is that true connectivity is not achieved as there are barriers between simple and complex devices.
HarmonyOS is the solution to that problem as it provides a unified language for all smart devices, creating a uniform experience across smartphones, tablets, wearables and more. It seamlessly connects a user’s digital life and does not just allow two devices to communicate but also bring together multiple devices to create one Super Device.
HarmonyOS (Beta version) is currently officially available for users in Hong Kong, but will soon be available internationally in Huawei’s upcoming devices such as the flagship P series, Mate series and the newest Matebook series laptops.
Check out our video editor's take on the HarmonyOS
What to expect from HarmonyOS
HarmonyOS is an operating system that works on all devices and is designed to create a unified language for all IoT products, delivering a seamless connected experience. As mentioned previously, it creates a Super Device where independent smart devices can work together to bring many advantages to users.
Some of the features that one can expect from HarmonyOS include Huawei’s innovative Atomic Services which allows users to access tools at a glance. In terms of performance, you can also expect better performance as the operating system is equipped with optimisation features. Another highlight is the Multi-cam feature that allows users to unleash their creativity with multiple camera angles.
Here is more info about HarmonyOS.
Connectivity - For Seamless Cross-Device Experience
- Super Device capabilities
HarmonyOS offers an enhanced multi-device control panel to connect and control different devices. With just a swipe from the top right corner, it extends the connection from a single device to multiple devices, providing a seamless and smooth experience.
With different devices using the same Huawei ID, users can connect them simply with the Drag to Connect feature, a widget under the Control Panel of the device where the icon of said device is encircled by other connectable devices.
The interface also presents the connection status of devices in a more intuitive way than traditional text descriptions in a device list.
- Multi-Screen Collaboration
Users can also set up Multi-screen Collaboration where they connect their smartphones with a PC/tablet to form a powerful smart office smart device - perfect for multitasking.
The smartphone can also function as a wirelessly connected external storage unit for the PC by accessing its storage contents. Files, videos or pictures can be shared across said devices easily, so users can attach them on their PC from the smartphone, or vice versa.
As for entertainment, connecting to a smart TV and earbuds from your smartphone is also a piece of cake. This allows for a bigger display while watching videos or movies while enjoying a more private listening experience with connected earbuds.
Intuitive Interactions and Increased Productivity
The Service Hub is where Atomic Services can be discovered, accessed, transferred, and managed.
Users can access said services from their phones, tablets and smartwatches and use them with a simple tap. For instance, you can check your agenda or to-do list, find out about news, education, sports, class times and more with just a quick glance at the cards.
- Atomic Services
This new breed of easy-to-deploy services provide easy sharing of services and interactions between devices. Atomic Services make apps simpler and allow users to access services they need directly without installation.
- Task Centre
Users can access all tasks run on all devices that are connected via HarmonyOS. It is easy to launch and gives users access to a list of current tasks. Users can also manage the tasks, allowing them to turn tasks on or off; or to migrate a task from one device to another.
Enhanced Performance
HarmonyOS inherited many performance-enhancing features from EMUI such as GPU Turbo, Link Turbo, and deterministic latency engine. Apart from these inherited features, HarmonyOS also brings new capabilities for an even smoother user experience.
- High-performance animation engine:
Firstly, it supports the new high-performance animation engine that disruptively decouples the system animations and app interface. This allows for stable motion transitions during interface switching for all kinds of apps on various devices - even if you start the next action without completing the first.
- Swiping technology:
HarmonyOS also introduces a Loading while Swiping technology feature which surpasses previous limits in reducing the waiting time or allowing seamless loading during swiping. Since the smartphones can load text, images, videos and other content during a swipe, users can enjoy a ‘scroll and show’ visual experience.
- Clean, new OS & UI:
Finally, the operating system also intelligently manages background app clean-up based on user habits and is also able to record and restore user states. No matter how many apps a user has opened, they will always be able to pick up right where they left off. Moving between apps while having multiple apps simultaneously loading is smooth and seamless.
Unleash your creativity with new camera features
As for the camera features, HarmonyOS introduces Multi-cam Mode, a technology that eliminates the physical boundaries between devices, allowing users to unleash their creativity by simultaneously using cameras from different devices.
- Take your images and videos beyond your imagination by switching between cameras during filming.
- Users can switch between the front and rear cameras of their phone, and even employ the cameras of nearby HarmonyOS 2-based smartphones and tablets to add even more camera angles.
- There is an option for users to switch between cameras on the main capture device to capture different angles and perspectives.
- When taking a selfie or group photo, one smartphone can be used for shooting, and another can be used to show a preview of the shot or to control shooting remotely.
All in all, Huawei’s HarmonyOS has a high potential to compete with top operating systems in the market. If anything, Huawei’s vision of achieving a “connected life” with their line of smart devices is one-step closer HarmonyOS and we are excited for the international release of the operating system within upcoming Huawei devices.
Stay tuned as we will be revealing our hands-on experience with the HarmonyOS!