Huawei is reportedly developing its own OS as a backup plan to Google's omnipresent Android.
Huawei, which is the third biggest smartphone manufacturer worldwide, uses an Android skin dubbed EMUI on its handsets. However, it looks like the OEM wants to increase its independence from Google, just in case the cooperation with the tech giant goes sour.
The Information reports that a Huawei team is building the mobile OS in Sweden in cooperation with former Nokia employees.
Keep in mind that Huawei is not the first Android phone manufacturer that is dabbling into alternative OSs for its devices. Samsung already deployed the Linux-based Tizen OS on its proprietary IoT hardware, but there is a chance that the company will expand the functionality to mobile devices.
According to the report, Huawei's OS "isn't far along."
One confirmed and significant change is bound to happen to EMUI, however. It is no secret that Western reviewers often blamed the UI for copycatting iOS. In October 2015, Huawei recruited former Apple designer Abigail Brody to look after the revamping of its Android skin. Huawei announced that the overhauled, redesigned software will be showcased in September 2016.
What changes could the EMUI go through to make it more appealing?
If the sources of The Information are correct, we might witness the appearance of an app drawer and a new design for the way-too-obvious iPhone resembling icons, alongside a "very clean, fresh" color scheme.
The main colors in EMUI's present state are grays and browns. If the rumors come true, Brody will bring brighter tones, such as whites and blues, to the table.
Huawei is building up to be a global player in smartphone manufacturing, but the company is currently emptying its wares in the Chinese market. One point of interest for the company will be to ink a deal with one of the large carriers in the U.S., such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile. At the moment, the company only sells its unlocked devices online.
Among other reasons, the unoriginal software contributes to the company's lack of credibility in the developed markets.
Brody understands the inherent difficulties that come with visual rebranding and says that the company's "pain points" and "glaring cosmetic issues" can be fixed.
The Information also notes that the designer is confident in Huawei's potential to become the No. 1 global smartphone manufacturer. The position is currently occupied by Samsung, despite a year over year decline of 0.6 percent in shipments.
