Huawei may no longer work with Google from later this year, but that doesn’t stop the company from releasing as many updates as possible. The manufacturer announces that Huawei EMUI 9.0 update, based on Android Pie, will be rolled out to seven smartphones.
EMUI 9.0 with Android Pie
These are older devices that were still running on Android Oreo. The Huawei Mate 10, Mate 9, Mate RS, Mate 20 Lite, P20, P10 and Nova 3 now run on Android 9.0 (Pie). The update brings a number of important innovations, such as Adaptive Battery to extend your battery life, Adaptive Brightness to automatically choose the optimum screen brightness and new gesture control. Android Pie also introduces Digital Welfare, a set of tools to map and (if necessary) reduce your smartphone usage.
In addition, Huawei itself has added some new functions. The interface, for example, has a refreshed design that mainly looks a bit clearer. In addition, there is a GPU Turbo 2.0 function to improve hardware performance when playing games. ‘Wireless projecting’ is a handy new feature to stream your smartphone screen too, for example, a television.
Huawei updates
It is somewhat noticeable that Huawei updates the devices mentioned, especially after the news that Google will break ties with the Chinese company. Due to a decision by the US government, Google is no longer allowed to cooperate with the Chinese smartphone maker. If manufacturers release a new smartphone or update an existing device, they must request a license from Google. If a manufacturer does not do that, then no Google apps such as the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and Chrome may be on the device.
As soon as the blockade starts, Huawei is in a difficult position. The question is whether the company can release the Android Q update for existing devices this fall. Incidentally, the Chinese company promises that all current smartphones will continue to receive security updates even after August, and thus remain protected against vulnerabilities in the mobile operating system.
One case is being ignored by the press all over the Huawei. In particular, the sales agreement and warranty provisions on sold devices. According to the agreements between Google and the manufacturer, all Huawei devices that are currently already being Google-licensed are entitled to regular security updates and two-year version updates for three years. If this is not respected, millions of users worldwide can sue Huawei and Google for violating the sales agreement and warranty terms. In other words it is very wise to buy one of the current devices on the market since the prices are under pressure.
I doubt whether the conclusions you draw here are correct. Huawei (and Google) nowhere guarantee a fixed number of updates. There are plenty of manufacturers who never release larger Android updates, especially for cheaper smartphones, so it’s not like we can stick to Huawei.
Even if that requirement / obligation exists, then Huawei and Google can probably just rely on force majeure. If the blockade continues, Google would break the law by working with Huawei on updates. Both companies would like to continue to work together, but breaking the law is not possible.