It’s been an exciting time for Huawei as they recently launched HarmonyOS Next, their new operating system for laptops. While it brings some fascinating features, there’s a catch: it won’t allow sideloading applications. This could be a hurdle for some users, which we’ll explore below.
Huawei has been making big waves in technology, carving out a space in areas like AI and consumer products. With HarmonyOS Next, they aim to create a cohesive ecosystem similar to Apple’s, allowing seamless cross-platform functionality. However, reports from MyDrivers highlight a significant limitation: HarmonyOS Next will only run on new Huawei laptops, meaning older devices won’t be able to use this OS.
One standout feature of HarmonyOS Next is Celia, the AI assistant. She can help users with tasks like creating presentations. This OS also includes essential applications like WPS Office, making it ready for professional use right out of the box.
Visually, HarmonyOS Next takes cues from Apple’s macOS, featuring a software shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen. However, users need to download apps solely from Huawei’s App Gallery, omitting the ability to sideload. This decision may push consumers to move away from Western tools, aligning with Huawei’s strategy to cater to the Chinese market.
Despite these restrictions, Huawei’s targeted audience may not find these limitations too bothersome. In a recent survey, 60% of tech users expressed a preference for built-in ecosystems over the flexibility of sideloading, indicating that many are comfortable within a controlled environment.
In conclusion, while HarmonyOS Next boasts several advantages, its limitations may impact tech-savvy users. Huawei is banking on its ecosystem approach to attract customers who value a seamless experience. As the tech landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how consumers react to these shifts.