WeChat Launches Beta Testing for Huawei's HarmonyOS NEXT
Chinese social media giant WeChat has officially commenced beta testing for its native application on HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei's independent operating system that exclusively supports native apps. The initial phase of public testing targets users of specific high-end devices, including the Huawei Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series. Invited users who have upgraded their devices to HarmonyOS NEXT can now access early versions of the app. This beta release encompasses core functionalities such as instant messaging, audio and video calling, the Moments social feed, and QR code payment services. The development process has been described by Tencent engineers as akin to rebuilding WeChat from scratch, citing significant technical challenges and the need for extensive learning due to the new ecosystem's unique documentation. This milestone represents a critical step in the integration of China's most popular super-app with Huawei's emerging software infrastructure, marking a significant move towards technological independence in the Chinese mobile market.
Wire timeline
WeChat Launches Beta Testing for Huawei's HarmonyOS NEXT
Chinese social media giant WeChat has officially commenced beta testing for its native application on HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei's independent operating system that exclusively supports native apps. The initial phase of public testing targets users of specific high-end devices, including the Huawei Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series. Invited users who have upgraded their devices to HarmonyOS NEXT can now access early versions of the app. This beta release encompasses core functionalities such as instant messaging, audio and video calling, the Moments social feed, and QR code payment services. The development process has been described by Tencent engineers as akin to rebuilding WeChat from scratch, citing significant technical challenges and the need for extensive learning due to the new ecosystem's unique documentation. This milestone represents a critical step in the integration of China's most popular super-app with Huawei's emerging software infrastructure, marking a significant move towards technological independence in the Chinese mobile market.
TechNode