In a significant development for Huawei, the company has introduced a new tool that enables devices running Harmony OS Next to launch popular Android applications such as Chrome, Gmail, and Spotify. This is particularly noteworthy given that Harmony OS Next, unlike its predecessor, does not natively support Android apps.
The backdrop of this innovation traces back to 2019 when Huawei faced restrictions that cut off access to Google Mobile Services. This led the company to create its own ecosystem, resulting in the original Harmony OS, which was based on Android. However, with the upcoming release of Harmony OS Next, Huawei aims to establish a more independent platform that positions itself as a genuine alternative to Android.
New Tool Bridges the Gap
To address the limitations of Harmony OS Next, Huawei has developed a tool known as 出境易, or “Easy Abroad.” This tool appears to cater primarily to Chinese tourists traveling internationally, facilitating the use of various Android applications within a self-contained environment. Although the concept of containerizing apps is not new, the swift emergence of this tool for Harmony OS Next is a pleasant surprise.
Once installed, the “Easy Abroad” tool allows users to access a range of Android applications from its dedicated app store. Among the available apps are well-known names like Facebook, Instagram, Discord, YouTube, and Google Maps. Users can find these applications organized in a folder on their home screen, although they cannot be moved outside this folder.
Initial reviews from beta testers indicate that the tool functions remarkably well. According to a demonstration by YouTuber LL Techview, Android apps launch quickly and operate smoothly, even appearing in the recent apps menu. Users can also sign into their Google accounts to utilize services like Google Search and Gmail.
However, the tool does come with its share of limitations. For instance, it is unlikely that this containerized version of Android 12 will pass Play Integrity checks, which could prevent many apps from functioning correctly. Additionally, the container utilizes microG instead of Google Play Services, leading to unsupported features for certain applications. Furthermore, only whitelisted Android apps can be installed, and notifications for many apps are only visible when the apps are actively open. Streaming services like Netflix are also restricted to standard definition due to the absence of Widevine L1 DRM support.
While these limitations echo challenges faced by Huawei users in the past, the effectiveness of the “Easy Abroad” tool remains to be seen once the stable version of Harmony OS Next is launched next year. For those with Huawei devices currently running the beta version, testing this new tool could provide valuable insights into its capabilities.
