Shenzhen unveiled an action plan Saturday to bolster the development of native applications for the open-source HarmonyOS, an operating system crafted by Shenzhen-based tech giant Huawei Technologies.
The action plan was jointly announced by the Shenzhen Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau and the Shenzhen Municipal Government Services Data Bureau.
Various measures will be implemented to transform Shenzhen into a hub for native application software under the HarmonyOS ecosystem, fostering various application scenarios for native apps, nurturing R&D talent, providing industrial spaces, and ensuring adequate financial support, according to the Shenzhen Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau.
Since HarmonyOS NEXT, the latest iteration of Huawei's mobile operating system, was opened to developers in January, over 2,000 software companies have started developing native HarmonyOS applications.
HarmonyOS facilitates seamless interactions among a wide array of devices including earphones, automobile head units, smart TVs, and mobile phones.
While the four previous consumer versions of Huawei HarmonyOS were compatible with Android, HarmonyOS NEXT marks a departure from Android architecture by being a truly independent operating system that exclusively runs HarmonyOS-native software.
With the emergence of industries like the low-altitude economy, smart robots, and the AI of Things, the development of the pure HarmonyOS ecosystem is seen as a crucial step for Shenzhen to capitalize on these new trends.
The action plan sets specific goals for the development of HarmonyOS native applications in Shenzhen by the end of this year, which include that their number accounts for over 10% of China's total, achieving full coverage in major domains, and having qualified HarmonyOS developers account for over 15% of the country's total. The objectives also include establishing two or more specialized industrial parks with companies focusing on the development and application of HarmonyOS-native software, having over 1,000 software firms capable of developing HarmonyOS applications, and introducing HarmonyOS development courses at higher learning institutions and training centers.
To support the development of pure HarmonyOS applications, the city plans to offer subsidies to companies involved in building the ecosystem. The city will also push for the adoption of these applications in government services, education, health care, finance and transportation.
In addition, the city will foster a cluster of enterprises focused on pure HarmonyOS applications, attract such firms to settle in Shenzhen, and encourage eligible enterprises to expand their services.
Huawei began the development of HarmonyOS in 2015, and has released different versions from HarmonyOS 1.0 to 4.0.