# Why Huawei's HarmonyOS Next could matter for small computing devices

DevFeed: [Why Huawei's HarmonyOS Next could matter for small computing devices](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/do-we-need-another-os-24548.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://medium.com/snapp-mobile/do-we-need-another-os-31dc9028f110?source=rss----bcd96e620b02---4>)

Author: Jasper Morgan

Published: 2025-04-03T08:46:50Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Snapp Mobile - Medium](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/snapp-mobile-medium.md>)

Topics: [Operating system](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/operating-system.md>), [huawei](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/huawei.md>), [Open Source](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/open-source.md>), [Microcontrollers](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/microcontrollers.md>), [Robotics](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/robotics.md>)

Tags: [harmony-os](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/harmony-os.md>), [huawei](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/huawei.md>), [microcontrollers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/microcontrollers.md>), [mobile-app-development](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mobile-app-development.md>), [open-source](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/open-source.md>), [operating-systems](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/operating-systems.md>), [os](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/os.md>), [robotics](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/robotics.md>)

## AI overview

This opinion article examines Huawei's HarmonyOS Next, a version of HarmonyOS without Android support, and argues that an operating system designed for small computing devices could have a valuable role as those devices become more widespread.

## Source excerpt

Last year Huawei ditched Android and in 2025 will be releasing more and more devices running its HarmonyOS Next software platform. HarmonyOS is based on an open source operating system (OpenHarmony) that started as an R&D project at Huawei in 2012. The operating system has been architected to support a wide array of small computing devices from microcontrollers to tablets. It is already used in several of Huawei's TVs, wearables and wireless router products. In 2024 a 'pure' version of the OS, without Android support, was released. This has been branded HarmonyOS Next. Several questions leap to mind: 1/ Does the world actually need a new OS? 2/ Why should we care about what Huawei is doing -- especially those of us outside China? 3/ Finally, what are the chances of success for a new OS? Let's look a little deeper into these topics and try to understand what's going on in this space. 1/ Does the world need a new OS? YES Let me explain why I have come to this conclusion. Computing needs have changed We have seen a steady growth of small form factor computing. We carry computing devices in our pockets, they are found in devices throughout our homes, they are part of our vehicles, they are in medical devices, and in countless industrial settings. Within this context, one could argue that phones are at the larger end of the spectrum when it comes to small computing devices. Single board computers and microcontrollers can be found in mechanical keyboards, security cameras, hand-held medical equipment, at the checkout in our shops etc. Going further, it's not a huge leap to see that the field of robotics is due to take off with the advent of AI for real time context-aware decision making. My first argument, therefore, is that an operating system specifically designed for small computing devices will have a valuable role to play. (Neither iOS nor Android were designed or have evolved to address this need.) Innovation and competition are good Several operating system innovati