Hongmeng OS: Huawei’s Alternative to Android for Smart Display amid US-China Trade War
Honor, a leading smartphone e-brand under Huawei Group, is reported to set launch of its first smart display product on August 10, on the second-day of the three-day 2019 Developer Conference event in Dongguan.
With the US-China trade war at its peak, the company continues to battle it out to stay competitive. Huawei Technology is ready to launch its very own operating system this weekend, during the company’s developers conference commencing August 9.
The much anticipated OS, introduced as Hongmeng, is being unveiled when the Chinese company is right in the middle of a trade war. It is being considered as an alternative to the currently existing OS Android and Windows from tech giants Google and Microsoft.
Huawei claims that the new OS is to be geared towards Internet of Things (IoT). However, senior industry analysts have raised concerns regarding the additional offerings.
A German publication quoted Richard Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s mobile chief, that this operating system can be used for operating devices of Huawei. A wide variety of products, including smartphones, computers, tablets, TVs, automobiles and smart wear can be operated with this OS. It is designed to be in line with all Android applications and existing web applications.
At the Global Mobile Internet Conference (GMIC) that took place on July 26 held in Guangzhou, George Zhao Ming, Honor’s president introduced HiSilicon “Honghu 818” intelligent chipset and smart pop-up camera for large screens in anticipation of the Smart Display products.
Despite being prepared to launch Hongmeng OS, Android and Windows is the preferred option for Huawei and the customers as well. They seem to be in full support towards their partners.
The potential replacement for the US based operating systems was underway prior to the blacklisting of the company. Huawei was under immense pressure to stay relevant, especially after being ranked as the world’s second smartphone vendor. It did not want their overseas customers to suffer, as they would not have been able to access the common Google apps.
A few limitations are considered to be removed against Huawei at the Osaka G20 summit in June as stated by US President Donald Trump. But it is uncertain as after being placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List in May, the US government allows only a 90-day temporary access of Android and Microsoft on new Huawei devices.
Honor, in spite of this mess, is geared up to launch two models of smart display products as it is busy booking slots on JD.com, which is amongst the largest e-commerce platforms in China.