Huawei was placed on the US Entity List in May, prohibiting companies like Google and Microsoft from conducting business with the Chinese manufacturer. Has this cast a shadow on Huawei’s smartphone development future? Well, maybe not.
As Ren Zhengfei explained, “The company was prepared to take on the United States and will not be too adversely affected by the trade ban.”
“the company was prepared to take on the United States and will not be too adversely affected by the trade ban.”
Ren Zhengfei
The most immediate consequence for consumers of the blacklisting is the revocation of Huawei’s Android license, which will prevent it from launching new smartphones with Google-certified versions of Android installed. New Huawei devices will not come pre-loaded with Google apps and services like YouTube, Chrome or the Play Store.
Not to be outdone, Facebook has also suspended the pre-loading of its apps onto Huawei devices. In future, all new Huawei smartphones are not licensed to ship with Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram pre-installed.
Ark OS Design
It is understood that Huawei is investing heavily in research and development to bring its smartphone operating system to market. The blacklisting has only highlighted the urgency to complete the development.
Ark OS’s key requirement is that it run across all mobile and desktop platforms to ensure that it continues to deliver smartphones and PC hardware to customers without the support of Microsoft and Google.
Information surrounding the operating system is starting to surface and many reports state that the operating system was initially code-named HongMeng OS. However, Huawei has already filed patents across the European market for a new operating system named “Ark OS”. This has raised speculation that the operating system will launch in the West under this name. Below is one of the “leaked” images of the Weather App info screen from the Ark OS patent filing
Compatibility and Performance
The design in the above Ark OS screenshot features similarities to Android, leading many to speculate that Huawei is building its OS on the open-source version of Google’s operating system. This implies that Ark OS will be compatible with Android applications, but Huawei will still be unable to pre-load Google apps and services on its devices.
HuaweiCentral confirmed that Huawei’s upcoming operating system will be compatible with all Android applications, including Google apps. It was also reported by the Global Times that Huawei’s upcoming operating system would be much faster than Android; a staggering 60% faster in fact. Tests are underway at companies including Oppo, Vivi and Tencent.
Huawei has not issued any official statement regarding the launch date or, for that matter, the rollout of Ark OS for smartphones and PCs, but reports place the date somewhere between Q3 2019 and March 2020, when the new flagship smartphones are launched.
Ryan Danvers
Founding member ABACON IT
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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