Huawei HarmonyOS-Ecosystem Compatibility

Here are a few FAQs answered for you, in regards to the compatibility of Huawei’s newly launched Harmony Operating System.

If that doesn’t soothe you out here is: All You Need To Know About Huawei HarmonyOS

1. Does HarmonyOS support Google Play (an Android app) and other Google apps such as Google Maps, Google Search, and Gmail?

Under the current technological architecture, no. HarmonyOS is a new microkernel-based, distributed OS for all
scenarios.

2. Can apps not developed by Google, such as Facebook and Twitter, be used on HarmonyOS?

Any new operating system takes time to mature. We believe that an increasing number of developers will support
HarmonyOS and develop apps for the OS. Luckily, the unique technologies of HarmonyOS, such as " one-time development and cross-device deployment” will dramatically increase the developer’s development efficiency. HarmonyOS is an open-source OS. Developers can easily adapt their apps to this OS. We are developing tools to support cost-effective and effortless app migration from other ecosystems to HarmonyOS. HUAWEI Developer Community will facilitate this migration.

3. Will HarmonyOS be compatible with the Android ecosystem?

HarmonyOS is a new microkernel-based, distributed OS for all scenarios. As a new OS, it will have its own ecosystem. It is easy for developers to transfer Android apps to HarmonyOS. (Richard Yu)

4. What is the value of HarmonyOS for Huawei partners and for developers? What should they do to adapt to this OS?

HarmonyOS is a new microkernel-based, distributed OS for all scenarios. The OS provides an IDE for development that targets many devices, thus allowing one-time development and cross-device deployment of a service. This dramatically increases development efficiency, covers the maximum amount of devices and users with the lowest possible investment, and enables fast service innovations for all scenarios.

5. Does HarmonyOS support the existing hardware of Huawei?

Yes. HarmonyOS is compatible with the existing hardware of Huawei. (This is to assure consumers of the
compatibility between HarmonyOS and the existing hardware of Huawei.)

6. Will the source code of HarmonyOS be open to global developers?

Yes. The source code of HarmonyOS will be open to global developers. We expect partners to work with us to create a new experience and new ecosystem in the all-scenario, intelligent era.

7. What are the essential differences between this IoT-based ecosystem and the Android phone ecosystem?

In the traditional model, the emergence of a new form of devices is always accompanied by a new operating system. This type of model isolates user experiences and ecosystems (simply put, an OS for each type of device) in the fully-connected era, where a large number of new devices come into being every day.

HarmonyOS is originally designed to satisfy customer needs for a cross-hardware, cross-platform, seamless, new experience across all scenarios. It leverages revolutionary, distributed technologies and decouples hardware capabilities from devices, forming a virtual capability resource pool. Apps can then invoke the capabilities of other devices as well as invoking those of their local devices. Such device capability complementation and sharing create an optimal experience for consumers.

8. How does HarmonyOS support non-Chinese apps?

For developers, open-source HarmonyOS simplifies the development process and enables one-time development and cross-device deployment. For consumers, HarmonyOS can provide an all-scenario, intelligent experience. Its distributed technologies can enhance the experience of Android users and allow developers to reach the maximum number of users with the minimum investment, facilitating rapid business innovation across all scenarios.

9. If HarmonyOS has been used in wearable devices and other products, what do you think is a reasonable timeframe for deploying it on smartphones?

We have released the evolution roadmap for HarmonyOS at the HDC. HarmonyOS will be used on smart devices other than mobile phones and tablets. HarmonyOS is ready to run on mobile phones if Huawei is not able to use Android (Richard Yu).

10. If the Mate 30 does not run on Android, will it run on HarmonyOS?

HarmonyOS is ready to run on mobile phones if Huawei is not able to use Android (Richard Yu).

11. How scalable is HarmonyOS? Would you consider testing HarmonyOS on the Mate X?

We have already tested HarmonyOS on many smart devices. It delivers better performance in every aspect.