WeChat, a billion-user social media app developed by Tencent, announced on Wednesday that its current HarmonyOS software is now stable, and subject to continuous updates.
Tencent plans to invite users who have upgraded to Huawei’s self-developed mobile operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT, to participate in beta testing of the new HarmonyOS version of WeChat.
Why it matters: As a widely used app, the stability of the HarmonyOS version of WeChat is crucial for the broader adoption of Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Huawei will launch its annual flagship Mate70 series in late November, reportedly introducing an embedded HarmonyOS NEXT system to a smartphone for the first time. However, doubts exist as to whether the Mate70 series will support Android.
Details: Testing for the HarmonyOS version of WeChat began in October. The current version includes basic social communication, audio and video calls, the social media component called Moments, and QR code-based WeChat Pay.
- Version 1.0.1.34 of HarmonyOS WeChat launched in the early access section of the Huawei App Store earlier this month. This update added personal business cards, location sharing, and support for receiving and viewing various types of files.
- According to Zhang Jun, Tencent’s PR director, future WeChat HarmonyOS versions will adopt an invitation-only beta testing approach. Users who receive an invitation will be sent a test invitation link via their registered phone number or email, and must ensure their Huawei phone system is upgraded to Harmony NEXT.0.0.72 or above.
- Users who have not yet received an invitation can download the beta version of HarmonyOS WeChat for testing through the App Gallery’s early access section.
Context: On October 22, Huawei launched HarmonyOS NEXT, the third major mobile OS globally alongside iOS and Android. Unlike earlier versions, it is entirely self-developed, granting Huawei full control without relying on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or Android app compatibility.
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