HarmonyOS NEXT Beta officially launched, no longer related to Android

HarmonyOS NEXT is based on OpenHarmony and is a microkernel operating system for HarmonyOS, not based on Android and not really a Linux system. That means HarmonyOS NEXT has the HarmonyOS microkernel.

HarmonyOS NEXT Beta officially launched, no longer related to Android Picture 1

HarmonyOS NEXT only supports native APP applications via Ark Compiler with Core Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) support. As such, this operating system does not have native compatibility with Android applications and APK files.

Huawei kept its promise at the Huawei Developer Conference (HDC) 2023 as the new version of the operating system finally sheds its Android roots.

HarmonyOS NEXT has an interface that looks like a familiar mobile operating system. Huawei promises that this new operating system will improve the overall performance of the device by 30%, connection speed will increase by 3 times, overall power consumption will be reduced by 20%.

Outstanding features of HarmonyOS NEXT

The operating system promises a seamless unified architecture that combines local and cloud utilities allowing users to share content or connect applications seamlessly across devices. For example, when working on documents, you can easily cut and paste images from your phone to your tablet.

HarmonyOS NEXT also integrates AI, opening up a range of features including image creation, AI audio repair and assistive image reading for people with speech or vision problems.

With support for Ark Multimedia Engine, Ark Graphics Engine and FFRT, HarmonyOS NEXT also promises to be a multimedia platform.

Jessica Tanner

Update 27 June 2024