Although it’s the most popular mobile operating system (OS), Android isn’t without competition. Others include Apple’s iOS, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile and BlackBerry OS. However, a Chinese telecommunications and mobile device manufacturing company is reportedly working on its own mobile OS.
According to Android Authority, Huawei has been quietly building own mobile OS for more than six years. Although the Chinese telecommunications company hasn’t officially announced the project, sources say that Huawei is developing a new mobile OS to rival Android.
Given that Huawei’s current line of smartphones and mobile devices run Android, though, you might be wondering why the company is developing a new mobile OS. After all, most handset users are satisfied with Android as it offers a clean, customizable interface that’s backed by Google’s own proprietary technology. Well, there’s some concern that Huawei may lose its license that provides it with Android usage rights, forcing it to seek an alternative mobile OS for its devices.
Earlier this year, U.S. regulators issued a ban on the Chinese smartphone-maker ZTE, citing violations of trade agreements. As part of this ban, U.S. companies are prohibited from selling parts and companies to ZTE. Furthermore, ZTE may lose its Android license.
U.S. regulators are also investigating Huawei for similar trade violations, so it may experience the same fate as its ZTE counterpart. And if Huawei loses its Android license, it won’t be able to use Google’s mobile OS in its devices. A solution to this problem, however, is for Huawei to develop and use its own mobile OS. Even if it’s no longer able to use Android, Huawei could build smartphones using its signature mobile OS.
Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by Huawei when building a new mobile OS is encouraging app developers to create new apps. One of the reasons for Android’s massive success is the Play Store, which is filled with nearly 3 million apps. Huawei’s new mobile OS would likely feature only a small number of apps.
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a telecommunications company based in Shenzhen, China. It has more than 170,000 employees, selling products and services in more than 170 countries. In 2012, Huawei surpassed its competitor Ericsson to become the world’s largest telecommunications company. And just last year, it ranked 83rd on Fortune Magazine’s Fortune Global 500 list of highest-earning companies.
Dil Bole Oberoi
