In a surprising development, Huawei is poised to enter the desktop operating system market with its own PC OS alternative.
Reports suggest that the Chinese tech giant’s new operating system, inspired by macOS, could be released as early as the end of this year.
Jason Will, a renowned leaker, recently shared information on X (formerly Twitter) about the increasing number of interface layouts for the PC version of HarmonyOS Next appearing on Huawei’s developer website.
Will speculates that this desktop incarnation of HarmonyOS for PCs is slated for launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Huawei is no stranger to developing operating systems, having already created HarmonyOS for mobile devices and wearables like smartwatches. The company’s experience in this field could prove valuable as it ventures into the PC market.
HarmonyOS Next on PC: Prospects for Success
The design of HarmonyOS Next for PCs is expected to align with other operating systems in the HarmonyOS family. Based on leaked images, the interface appears to draw heavy inspiration from macOS, featuring similar status bars, dock bars, and overall aesthetics.
HarmonyOS Next is an open-source platform built on its own microkernel, which Huawei claims offers significant performance advantages.
The operating system is designed to be completely independent of US software, abandoning Android entirely. This approach necessitates the development of new applications specifically for HarmonyOS Next.
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Huawei has released HarmonyOS Next as a developer sandbox, allowing programmers to build and test applications. The success of the operating system will largely depend on the growth of its software ecosystem, a process that will take time and effort.
Huawei’s Challenges and Controversies
Despite Huawei’s technological prowess, the company faces significant challenges. The tech giant has been under scrutiny due to concerns about potential surveillance facilitation for the Chinese government through its products.
This controversy has led to restrictions and sanctions imposed by the US government, preventing Huawei from utilizing Windows and Android on its devices.
Before these restrictions, Huawei had established itself as a popular brand outside of Asia, known for its high-quality Windows laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company had gained a significant fanbase in the US, Europe, and other regions.
Global Reception and Market Potential
While Huawei’s desktop OS may face challenges in gaining acceptance outside of China due to ongoing concerns about surveillance, it has the potential to capture a significant market share within China itself.
The Chinese market’s size and Huawei’s strong presence there could provide a solid foundation for the new operating system.
Additionally, with Windows 10 approaching its end-of-support date in late 2025, some users in other countries might consider HarmonyOS Next as an alternative. However, the road to widespread adoption outside of China remains steep and uncertain.
