- Huawei launches ‘HarmonyOS NEXT,’ a new OS independent of Android, featuring the proprietary ‘Harmony kernel.’
- The OS integrates ‘Harmony Intelligence’ AI, enhancing functionalities like image generation and text translation.
- HarmonyOS NEXT discontinues support for Android apps, focusing on native app development.
- Huawei reports rapid adoption with HarmonyOS devices surpassing iOS in China, totaling 900 million active users.
- Financially, Huawei’s Q1 2024 net profits surged by 564%.
- ‘Pangu Large Model 5.0’ is introduced, offering various models tailored for diverse applications with up to trillions of parameters.
Main AI News:
Huawei has officially announced the beta launch of ‘HarmonyOS NEXT’ on June 21, 2024, marking a significant step in its operating system strategy. HarmonyOS NEXT marks a departure from Android, introducing its proprietary ‘Harmony kernel’ and is slated to roll out initially to the Huawei Mate 60 series. Notably, the OS boasts three times the memory efficiency of Linux.
Central to HarmonyOS NEXT is its integration of ‘Harmony Intelligence,’ an advanced AI framework capable of diverse functionalities such as image generation, text translation, and facial and OCR recognition. The system also includes features for assisting visually and speech-impaired individuals, enhancing speech clarity and converting spoken words into text. With this move away from Android, HarmonyOS NEXT will no longer support Android applications, focusing instead on native app development.
The user base of HarmonyOS-powered devices continues to grow steadily, particularly in China, where it reportedly exceeds iOS in popularity. Bloomberg estimates indicate that active HarmonyOS devices have surged to 900 million. Financially, Huawei has reported a staggering 564% year-on-year increase in net profits for Q1 2024.
According to Huawei, ‘HarmonyOS NEXT empowers users with seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and intelligent device functionality. The OS emphasizes seamless app integration across multiple devices, enabling seamless content sharing and app connectivity.’
Developer beta versions are currently available for the Huawei Mate 60 series, Huawei Mate X5 series, and Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet as of June 21, 2024. The beta release is expected in fall 2024, with a stable version slated for Q4 2024, covering models like the Huawei Mate 60 series, Huawei Mate X5 series, Huawei Pura 70 series, and others.
In conjunction with the HarmonyOS NEXT update, Huawei also introduced its latest proprietary LLM (Large Language Model), ‘Pangu Large Model 5.0’. The Pangu series encompasses various models tailored for different applications: the Pangu E Series with 1 billion parameters for mobile and PC devices; the Pangu P Series with 10 billion parameters for low-latency and cost-efficient inference; the Pangu U Series with 135 billion and 230 billion parameters for complex operations; and the Pangu S Series with trillions of parameters for cross-domain and multi-tasking capabilities.
Pangu represents a robust machine learning system capable of data analysis, mathematical computations, and logical operations across diverse fields including education, finance, and healthcare. The upgrade to Pangu is anticipated to significantly bolster Huawei’s technological prowess and business capabilities.
Conclusion:
The launch of HarmonyOS NEXT and Pangu Large Model 5.0 marks Huawei’s strategic shift towards independence from Android and enhanced AI capabilities. With growing user adoption and robust financial performance, Huawei is poised to strengthen its market position, particularly in AI-driven technologies across global markets.
