Huawei’s foray into the realm of operating systems has taken a bold turn with the introduction of HarmonyOS NEXT, a platform that operates independently of Android. While this new system is designed to run only native applications, recent developments have unveiled an intriguing workaround that allows users to access Android apps on devices powered by HarmonyOS NEXT.
Exploring the “EasyAbroad” Emulator
In a recent announcement, Huawei confirmed that all devices launching in 2025, including the highly anticipated Mate 70 series, will come pre-installed with HarmonyOS NEXT. Currently, the company is conducting a public beta test of this innovative operating system. Among the beta testers, one user shared their discovery on Reddit about an Android emulator available in Huawei’s AppGallery, aptly named “EasyAbroad.” This emulator is particularly tailored for Huawei users working outside of China who require Google Mobile Services (GMS).
With “EasyAbroad,” users can seamlessly install a variety of popular Android applications such as:
- YouTube
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- Chrome
- Gmail
- Disney Plus
- Netflix (in SD quality only)
The emulator features its own app store, which is conveniently accessible as a folder on the smartphone’s home screen. However, it’s worth noting that users cannot extract apps from this folder to create individual app icons on their home screens. Additionally, there may be some limitations regarding notifications and alerts typically associated with these Android applications.
According to a YouTube content creator who tested the “EasyAbroad” emulator, the Android apps loaded quickly and generally operated smoothly, thanks in part to microG. This open-source implementation of proprietary Google libraries serves as a substitute for Google Play Services, enabling essential functionalities for users without a Google account or access to Google’s servers. However, it’s important to mention that microG does not support any Android apps that have been blacklisted.
The backdrop to this development traces back to 2019 when Huawei was placed on the Entity List by the Trump administration, which severed the company’s access to its U.S. supply chain, including Google. This pivotal moment led Huawei to pivot towards the development of HarmonyOS, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy.
