Huawei HarmonyOS 2.0 Beta Launches for Smartphone App Developers

Huawei released the HarmonyOS 2.0 Beta for developers on Dec. 16, in preparation for the public launch next year.

Huawei said developers are given full access to HarmonyOS 2.0, including many APIs (Application Programming Interface) and developing tools such as DevEco Studio, which will allow developers to more efficiently create new apps suited for the Internet age.

“The epoch-making HarmonyOS reshapes the relationship between people, devices and scenarios,” said Chenglu Wang, president of the software department at Huawei Consumer Business Group. “In the future, products will no longer be limited to a single device.”

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As rapid development of 5G and AI technologies expedite the process of the Internet of Everything (IoE), the isolated experience or innovation within one single device can no longer meet people’s needs in various scenarios.

According to Huawei, HarmonyOS is an operating system in the era of IoE that integrates multiple physically separated devices into a “super terminal” that combines the software and hardware capabilities of different devices on demand, delivering users what’s most suitable for their purpose. Smart device experience can be migrated across terminals and flow seamlessly even when users switch devices.

For instance, HarmonyOS can optimize travel experiences through the synchronization of smartphones and smartwatches. Instead of checking on their phones when waiting for an online car-hailing driver, information such as plate number and driver’s location can be synchronized on the smartwatch in real time.

Currently, more than 120 mobile app providers, such as JD.com, UnionPay, Youku, and iFlytek, have joined HarmonyOS. 

HarmonyOS has been previously tested on TVs, watches, and other IoT devices. Huawei’s new smartphones will launch with HarmonyOS2.0 next year. More than 20 hardware manufacturers have now joined the HarmonyOS ecosystem, according to Huawei.

Phones that support HarmonyOS include the Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 30, including its 5G version, the Mate 30 Pro and its 5G version. Huawei’s tablet MatePad Pro is also compatible with the new OS.