Huawei is said to be working on its own mobile OS to lessen reliance on Google's Android. (Photo : Reuters)
Huawei is reportedly working on its proprietary OS to lessen reliance on Google's Android.
Technology website The Information first wrote about the Chinese smartphone maker's plans, noting that a Huawei OS "isn't far along."
"Huawei is [secretly] developing an alternative mobile operating system, according to three people briefed about the project," wrote The Information.
This potential move comes on the back of rumors that Google is looking to change its policy surrounding the use of its OS by third-party makers.
According to The Information, Huawei's proprietary OS is "meant as a contingency measure in case Google further tightens its grip on Android or stops offering it to smartphone makers."
The people said to be behind this project include a former Nokia employee based in Scandinavia.
In 2015, Huawei also hired former Apple employee Abigail Brody as vice president of its design department. Brody is in charge of polishing Huawei's EMUI to suit the Western market.
According to PhoneArena.com, the implementation of the Android system is a paint point for the company.
"Although we highly appreciate Huawei's ability to create hardware smartphones, we're not as satisfied when it comes to the company's Android implementation, one that takes visual cues from Apple's iOS and is overall sub-par compared to Samsung's TouchWiz and HTC's Sense," the website noted.
Meanwhile, Google's rumored plans to restrict original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from using the Android system seem to hold no water.
According to The Next Web, "Google hasn't shown any signs of wanting to shut hardware makers out. It's always partnered with various companies to build its Nexus line of flagship Android phones and tablets and there are now hundreds of phone brands that rely on the OS for their device."
The tech website noted that Brody's appointment might even indicate that Huawei is working to satisfy Google with the implementation of the Android OS.
"If anything, Huawei might be better off currying Google's favor to make sure it stays in the search giant's good books and continue to sell Android-based devices," The Next Web wrote.
