Huawei has confirmed that it is working on its own Android-based Operating system that will be its fail-safe against a complete ban from Google’s licensed version of Android OS. Over the past couple of weeks, many potential names have popped up like ‘Ark OS’ and ‘HongMeng OS’. However, it looks like the company’s new operating system could be called ‘Oak OS’, as revealed by Globaltimes today.
Huawei’s OS is said to be called as ‘HongMeng’ OS in China and ‘Oak OS’ internationally. The rumors about the name Ark OS emerged from a few European trademarks from the company. Plus, Huawei’s compiler is called as the Ark compiler which further led people to speculate that the new OS will end up being called as the Ark OS.
If Globaltimes’ source is accurate, then the so-called ‘Oak OS’ from Huawei is currently being tested intensively. The launch is expected sometime around August or September, which is about the same time when Huawei’s 90-day temporary respite from the US trade ban ends.
The US is increasingly blacklisting Chinese companies over the past few months. While it will adversely affect these companies in the short run, many believe that this trade ban could be worse for everyone in the long run. In fact, according to a report from the Financial Times, Google has warned the U.S. government of the potential security challenges arising from this ban on Huawei.
Google reportedly said that if Huawei was to roll out its own Android system based on AOSP, it would be less secure than Google’s version. There could be bugs and issues which could put Huawei phones at risk of being hacked. In fact, FT quotes Google saying, “Our focus is protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei handsets in the US and around the world.”
While Google’s points are valid, Huawei Oak OS has the potential to replace Google’s licensed Android on non-Huawei phones as well. With the increasing threat to non-US companies from the Trump government, many are looking for alternatives to US technology. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if other Chinese companies joined Huawei to work on Oak OS to ensure they aren’t overly dependent on US companies.
However, before we speculate too much, it’s worth noting that it remains to be seen if the Huawei ban will stand after the 90-day respite. But from how things are developing, it looks like Huawei’s Oak OS would be rolled out, even if the trade ban was lifted.
Clearly, the next few months will be an interesting period for all of the smartphone industry.
What are your thoughts?
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