Android rival: Google could be challenged as new update may be revealed tomorrow

Google’s Android has established itself as one of two mainstream smartphone operating systems since its launch over a decade ago.

There are now over 2.5 billion devices that run the operating system across the globe – many of which are manufactured by Huawei Technologies.

Huawei has consistently relied on Google’s operating system to deliver an intuitive interface and a bevy of alluring features to fans.

However, Huawei’s relationship with Android was put in doubt back in May when the Chinese firm was added to a trade blacklist by the Trump administration.

Following the US’s decision, Google suspended Huawei’s Android licence, causing a wave of uncertainty over the future of software updates and patches on the Chinese firm’s devices.

Although Google’s Android block was initially immediately put in place, it was later delayed and had been expected to go back in effect on August 19 after the US Commerce Department granted Huawei an extension on its ability to do business with American companies.

Huawei has declared it expects a range of its devices, such as the P30 Pro and Mate 20 Pro, to receive Android Q.

Moreover, the firm has also stated its hardware will continue to be granted “ongoing security and software updates”.

Circumstances surrounding Huawei’s future with Google’s Android platform ignited a wave of speculation suggesting the Chinese firm could soon reveal its own Android alternative that has already been confirmed to be in development by its consumer business group CEO, Richard Yu.

A new report from China’s state-run Global Times has claimed Huawei is testing a new operating system dubbed “Hongmeng OS” on a new budget device that will release at the end of this year.

The product in question was said to be priced at “around 2,000 Chinese yuan” (£233.55).

Most notably, the outlet claimed the new software would be unveiled at Huawei’s forthcoming Developer Conference that is taking place in the industrial Chinese city of Dongguan.

The Global Times cited reports claiming Hongmeng OS could first appear in a new “Honor smart TV series”.

However, the outlet, citing “Huawei executives” suggested the operating system could expand to the firm’s smartphone business if it is unable to harness Google’s Android platform.

Details of Huawei’s Developer Conference on Friday will be brought you all in our subsequent release.