Huawei Unveils a HarmonyOS Laptop, Its First Windows-Free Computer

Huawei has released its first laptop running HarmonyOS, a operating system developed in-house due to U.S. sanctions preventing the company from working with U.S.-based companies like Google and Microsoft. Initially, HarmonyOS was a skinned version of Android, but over time Huawei has differentiated the two operating systems, adding its own features and kernel. The laptop version of HarmonyOS features a desktop-style interface with a taskbar and dock, supporting multitasking with movable, resizable windows. The operating system is showcased with AI features, Huawei's AI assistant Celia, which can summarize documents and assist with presentation slides. At launch, HarmonyOS will support over 2,000 applications, including WPS Office, a Chinese alternative to Microsoft Office, and various Chinese social media apps. This is a significant departure from Huawei's older laptops, which could run millions of Windows applications. The new laptop is a result of Huawei's efforts to develop its own ecosystem, independent of U.S.-based companies. HarmonyOS is designed to provide a unique user experience, with Huawei's own kernel, user interface, and features. The company's focus on AI features is a key aspect of its demos, highlighting the capabilities of Celia, its AI assistant.