Huawei has officially unveiled its first operating system for computers (PC), which is based on the new generation of HarmonyOS 5 (also known as HarmonyOS NEXT), significantly expanding the range of its technology platform.
The announcement was made at the HarmonyOS Computer Technology and Ecosystem Communication Event in China, with the company presenting the new operating system as a unified system with the motto "One as All, All as One".
New features of HarmonyOS 5 for PC
Huawei claims that HarmonyOS 5 offers a smooth user experience that leverages artificial intelligence, thanks to the smart assistant Xiaoyi. The system provides full interoperability with the rest of the devices in the Huawei ecosystem – such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. It also supports over 1,000 external devices in 20 categories. These include 800 standard devices, such as keyboards and monitors, as well as 250 more specialized peripherals, such as scanners and printers.
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User experience, interface and customization
Huawei's new PC operating system emphasizes visual harmony, offering features such as dynamic wallpapers, layered apps, customizable icons and widgets , and taskbars. Transitions from the lock screen to the desktop are fluid, while the system provides Motion effects, light and shadow rendering , and gravity-based visuals that enhance user interface personalization.
Gesture support includes three-finger swipe for multitasking. Finally, the Ark graphics engine ensures smooth performance with Fangtian Window and pixel-level occlusion culling.
Features of the Xiaoyi Smart Assistant
Xiaoyi , Huawei's built-in AI digital assistant, offers multi-dimensional support covering voice commands, text analysis, and image processing . Its functions include:
- Read and translate content from images (including tables) in over 20 languages
- Create documents, presentations, travel guides and mind maps based on a few keywords
- Perform live transcription and brief summary of meetings
- Automatic support for device issues and smart layouts for presentations
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Cross-Device Collaboration
HarmonyOS computers offer deep integration with other devices in the Huawei ecosystem, allowing:
- Transfer apps between devices without interruption
- Shared clipboard and drag & drop capability
- Screen mirroring and control multiple devices with one keyboard/mouse and move the cursor between devices with eye movement
- High-speed file transfers via HUAWEI Share
Privacy and Security
The system is based on the StarShield, reducing vulnerabilities by almost half. Data protection is ensured through system-level encryption and lock screen validation while applications require identity verification upon initial registration.
Security features include:
- One-time data permissions
- File sharing restrictions
- Screen that protects against third-party recording
- Super privacy mode for added security
- Star Flash Find, which locates lost devices, even if they are turned off, and offers remote data wipe
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Development of the Application Ecosystem
The HarmonyOS PC environment already includes over 150 exclusive applications, designed specifically for desktop, as well as over 2,000 universal applications covering areas such as productivity, design, finance, education and entertainment.
With development tools like ArkTS, ArkUI, and DevEco, HarmonyOS Base offers:
- Faster app launch
- Seamless operation on multiple devices
- Enhanced overall performance for demanding uses
Commercial Disposition
Huawei announced that the first computer with HarmonyOS will be available in the Chinese market on May 19, 2025.
Huawei's new operating system, HarmonyOS for PC, seems to be a bold and ambitious move.
Overall, this is a promising but still workable step. If Huawei manages to build a strong ecosystem, it could be a real alternative to Windows and macOS, especially in Asia.
Source: www.fonearena.com
