forbes.com
WeChat's Slow HarmonyOS Adaptation Highlights Broader Platform Challenges
Tencent's WeChat is slowly adapting to Huawei's HarmonyOS due to the need for a complete rebuild of the app from its Android version, which highlights broader challenges for the new operating system.
- What are the primary technological hurdles hindering the development of WeChat's HarmonyOS version, and what are the immediate consequences for users?
- Tencent, the developer of WeChat, started building a native HarmonyOS version in 2024, requiring a complete rebuild instead of a simple port due to HarmonyOS NEXT's removal of Android compatibility. This rebuild prioritized core functions like messaging and payments, delaying more complex features.
- What long-term strategic adjustments must Huawei make to ensure HarmonyOS fosters a thriving and inclusive app ecosystem, considering the current challenges and developer feedback?
- HarmonyOS's success hinges on improving developer tools, stabilizing its API, and providing substantial support to attract a wider range of developers beyond major tech firms. Lowering the barrier to entry for smaller developers is crucial for creating a diverse and vibrant app ecosystem; otherwise, the platform may struggle to gain traction.
- How do the challenges faced by Tencent in developing WeChat for HarmonyOS compare to those faced by smaller app developers, and what are the broader implications for the platform's ecosystem?
- The slow development of WeChat on HarmonyOS reflects broader challenges facing the operating system's ecosystem. Frequent API changes in HarmonyOS and the need for a complete app rebuild significantly increase development costs and timelines for all developers, not just Tencent. This is further complicated by evolving core system features like file access and multitasking.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the slower development of HarmonyOS apps as a complex engineering challenge rather than a failure. The headline isn't explicitly stated, but the focus on the difficulties faced by developers, particularly Tencent with WeChat, suggests a framing that emphasizes the obstacles rather than criticizing the lack of progress. This could lead readers to understand the delays as a technical hurdle rather than a fundamental flaw in the system.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "challenges," "complex," and "obstacles" are used to describe the situation without overtly negative connotations. The article avoids loaded language or emotionally charged terms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by developers in adapting to HarmonyOS, particularly WeChat's development. While it mentions the perspective of users, especially those with accessibility needs, it doesn't extensively explore the user experience with the current HarmonyOS version of apps or the overall market share of HarmonyOS compared to other operating systems. This omission might limit readers' understanding of the broader adoption and success of HarmonyOS.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the challenges and progress in developing HarmonyOS, a new operating system. This contributes to innovation in the tech industry and infrastructure development within China. The development, though challenging, represents investment in infrastructure and innovation, aligning with SDG 9. The challenges faced by developers, particularly smaller ones, also underscore the need for supportive infrastructure and policies to foster innovation.