Huawei has unveiled a self-developed operating system called the HarmonyOS NEXT. At the development event, the CEO described the OS as fully independent with a full-stack AI framework. The CEO has also claimed that the Harmony kernel is three times more efficient than Linux.
Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT is the next big thing from the company. As Yu Chengdong, Huawei's Consumer Business Group CEO, describes, "It's a real operating system and not an Android skin." The CEO further clarified that the OS doesn't run on Linux or Unix.
Instead, HarmonyOS NEXT utilizes a self-developed Harmony kernel, which Huawei claims is three times more memory efficient than Linux cores. The company says the OS uses a 'heterogenous native-like" mechanism, making the operating system capable of delivering a fluid experience.
In addition to being efficient, HarmonyOS NEXT also prioritizes security. At the event, Huawei described that the new OS has three highest-level security certifications with kernel-level security. It also comes with on-device AI capabilities to compete with custom Android implementations of other leading brands.
Overall, Huawei's main aim with the HarmonyOS NEXT is to offer a privacy-focused operating system optimized for a smooth user experience. With it, the company will also become free from the US technologies it relied on for the operating system of Huawei smartphones.
Of course, we need to wait and see whether Huawei can truly fulfill its promises with the HarmonyOS NEXT. The operating system is currently in the developer preview stage, with a stable rollout scheduled for Q4 2024.
3x more efficiency than Linux kernel (Image source: Huawei Central) 
Security certifications of HarmonyOS NEXT (Image source: Huawei Central)source
