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Quantum Leap in Core Tech Heralds New Era

By LIN Yuchen       13:45, November 11, 2024

China's advancements in core technologies are leading the nation into a new chapter of high-tech innovation. From developing indigenous foundational software to producing the domestically manufactured C919 large passenger aircraft, China has made great strides in high-quality development across multiple industries.

C919 sparks development

In October, 10 C919 aircraft were integrated into China's thriving aviation network, connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi'an.

The C919, the first large commercial jet independently developed in China according to international airworthiness standards, marks a milestone for the nation's aviation industry.

Zhao Keliang, deputy chief engineer of the C919, was highly emotional when boarding the aircraft on its inaugural flight, paying tribute to the dedication of multiple generations of Chinese engineers who turned this long-standing dream into reality.

The journey of developing a large commercial aircraft began in the 1970s and 1980s with the Y-10 aircraft. The dream gained momentum with the official launch of the C919 project in 2007, followed by the establishment of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in 2008.

The C919's development process faced immense technical and logistical challenges. Over 1,000 companies and more than 300,000 individuals from over 20 provinces in China contributed to the project. From its assembly line debut in 2015, to its successful test flight in 2017, and finally to its commercial certification and deployment in 2023, the C919 is a testament to Chinese engineering resilience and the power of national collaboration.

HarmonyOS leading the Internet of everything

Huawei recently released its native operating system HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a pivotal moment in China's software industry. With over 1.1 billion ecosystem devices and more than 10 million native applications, HarmonyOS is now the second-largest operating system in China's smart terminal market, surpassing iOS in share.

For Huawei, HarmonyOS symbolizes a significant leap toward technological independence. Initially launched in 2019, the system evolved from a Linux-based framework into a fully self-developed ecosystem by 2023.

Unlike previous versions, the latest HarmonyOS is free from Android's underlying architecture, featuring an independently developed kernel and programming framework that empower Huawei devices.

HarmonyOS's microkernel architecture enables seamless integration across multiple devices, from smartphones and wearables to smart homes and automobiles. The operating system enhances cross-platform collaboration, making it adaptable to a range of smart devices.

In addition to improving user experience, HarmonyOS has brought AI deeply into its core systems. Enhanced with Huawei's Pangu AI model, HarmonyOS offers advanced capabilities, such as real-time AI-enhanced image processing and intelligent document summarization.

These features exemplify a new level of intelligent, interconnected experience for users.

Huawei's HarmonyOS has already garnered substantial support from partners like Ant Group, which developed a HarmonyOS-native version of Alipay. In response to widespread demand, more companies are adopting HarmonyOS to meet the needs of corporate clients, highlighting its growth potential.

Enabling secure industrial development

As industries worldwide undergo a transformation toward the Internet of Things (IoT), operating systems play a critical role in enabling secure development. HarmonyOS positions itself as a key player in this new era, supported by China's comprehensive industrial ecosystem and expertise in fields like AI, IoT, and 5G.

Huawei's achievement is the result of a collective effort that reflects a nationwide commitment to scientific advancement. The success of HarmonyOS reinforces China's capacity to shape the future of global technology and offers a blueprint for building an ecosystem capable of independent innovation and secure, high-quality development.

As Yu Chengdong, a Huawei executive, stated at the HarmonyOS release event, "HarmonyOS represents a new era of independence and collaboration." With its thriving ecosystem and cutting-edge capabilities, HarmonyOS is poised to be a cornerstone in the interconnected world of tomorrow, lighting the way for future Chinese innovations.

Source: Science and Technology Daily