Windows holds the dominant position as the world’s most widely used operating system, boasting a market share that surpasses 85%. While there are alternative options available, Windows has established itself as the reigning champion in the realm of computing, although its reign may face potential challenges in the near future.
These are challenging times for Huawei. In 2019, the company encountered a significant setback when then-U.S. President Trump imposed a crucial ban. This ban denied Huawei access to the latest versions of Android, a platform continually advanced by the American tech giant, Google. In response, the Asian tech giant decided to embark on a path similar to Xiaomi by creating its own compatible operating system: Harmony OS. This system builds upon the Android foundation but excludes any Google services, rendering users unable to access applications from the Play Store.
Following the debut of Harmony OS, the App Gallery was introduced, serving as the application store for this operating system. While it boasts a considerable array of applications, the Trump administration’s ban has left a notable void. Popular applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and others are conspicuously absent, in addition to the absence of Google applications, severely limiting the overall utility of Harmony OS.
The most recent development related to this operating system originates from China, where it has been reported that Huawei is planning to launch Harmony OS for personal computers in the coming year.
Harmony OS for PC
Harmony OS is an open-source operating system available for adoption by any mobile manufacturer for their devices. However, it has faced limited adoption primarily due to its notable drawback of lacking Google services, making it a less attractive option.
It’s essential to approach this statement with some skepticism, given that the source of this news is not a part of Huawei’s software development team. While Huawei does express intentions to broaden the compatibility of Harmony OS to include PCs and other device categories like smart TVs, the likelihood of Harmony OS emerging as a viable alternative to established operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS remains exceedingly low.
One of the foremost challenges lies in app compatibility. Since Harmony OS is a distinct operating system, developers would need to create applications from scratch to ensure compatibility. Considering that Linux is the only notable existing alternative to Windows and that it lacks the support of major IT players like Microsoft and Adobe for their applications, the prospect of a new operating system garnering attention from these industry giants seems implausible.
The potential niche for Harmony OS largely depends on its intended use and market strategy:
Lightweight Laptops and Chromebook Alternatives
If the goal is to introduce a lightweight operating system suitable for low-performance laptops, positioning it as an alternative to Google’s Chromebooks could be a viable strategy. In this context, Harmony OS might find a place in the market, even without Google services. PCs offer more flexibility than mobile devices as they primarily rely on web browsers for access rather than dedicated applications. This could make Harmony OS a contender for those seeking an alternative computing experience on budget-friendly laptops.
Living Room Computers and Mini-PCs
Another potential area for Harmony OS is within living room computers, particularly on Mini-PCs or systems where users install Android for PC (often unofficially). In these scenarios, having an alternative like Harmony OS could indeed be intriguing. It might offer a more tailored and user-friendly experience for living room computing, potentially filling a gap in the market.
While the challenges of establishing a new operating system are substantial, finding specific niches where Harmony OS can cater to unique needs, such as lightweight laptops and living room computers, could be the key to its growth and adoption. However, competition is fierce, and achieving a significant market presence will require overcoming several hurdles, including app compatibility, developer support, and consumer awareness.