Huawei HarmonyOS 6 Launches, Offers Direct File Transfer to Apple Devices

Huawei Technologies has released HarmonyOS 6 to consumers in China, marking the first time its proprietary operating system enables direct file transfers between Huawei and Apple devices. This new function allows for short-range wireless transfers of photos and documents without requiring data plans.

Credit:HUAWEI

The company stated that the function "breaks down device boundaries and allows for more flexible data flow," a feature similar to Apple’s AirDrop. It demonstrates Huawei’s efforts to enhance the user experience of its mobile operating system.

HarmonyOS 6 is expected to be available on more than 90 Huawei devices. This includes the Mate 70 and Pura 80 smartphones.

The Shenzhen-based company continues to compete against Android and Apple’s iOS in China, the world's largest smartphone market. HarmonyOS has maintained its lead over Apple’s iOS for six consecutive quarters on the mainland.

Credit: HUAWEI

Counterpoint Research reported that HarmonyOS accounted for 17% of China’s smartphone operating system market in the second quarter, surpassing iOS’s 16%. HarmonyOS is China’s second-largest mobile operating system, trailing Android which holds a dominant 66% share.

The company also highlighted the growing number of artificial intelligence agents available on HarmonyOS 6. These AI software programs autonomously perform tasks on behalf of users or other systems.

More than 80 AI agents are now accessible on HarmonyOS 6, according to Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group. This marks an increase from the over 50 AI agents estimated when the beta version of HarmonyOS 6 became available.

These agents are based on the HarmonyOS Agent Framework, a toolkit for developers, and include Huawei’s self-developed AI assistant Xiaoyi. Third-party developers have also created agents, such as an AI-powered itinerary assistant by Trip.com and a health manager by Ant Group.

Tencent Holdings has released more than 60 apps on the HarmonyOS platform. For HarmonyOS 6, Tencent introduced new live-streaming and AI reading apps for its news portal, Tencent News.

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• HarmonyOS 6 now enables direct file transfers between Huawei and Apple devices.

• The operating system is expected to be available on over 90 Huawei devices.

• HarmonyOS holds 17% of China's smartphone OS market, surpassing iOS.

Source: SCMP

Amazon Accelerates Delivery with AI, Robotics, and Innovative Eyewear

Amazon is deploying advanced technologies, including robotics and smart eyewear, and plans to deploy an artificial intelligence system, to significantly reduce delivery times. The company aims to move beyond two-day delivery, striving for same-day or even within-an-hour service for customers. These innovations focus on shaving seconds off each delivery process.

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The company showcased advanced eyeglasses for delivery workers, known internally as Amelia. These glasses feature a small screen providing turn-by-turn directions, package code scanning, and photo capture for proof of delivery. Amelia could replace bulky handheld Global Positioning System devices, offering navigation tips for complex locations and hazard avoidance.

The eyeglasses operate with a paired controller in a driver's vest and utilise swappable battery packs to address battery life challenges. Beryl Tomay, Amazon transportation vice president, stated that hundreds of delivery drivers had already tested the glasses on their routes. Tomay noted the glasses reduce the need to manage a phone and a package, enhancing driver attention and safety, with some drivers experiencing 30 minutes of time savings per shift.

While experimental and with plans still in flux, the smartglasses will be optional for drivers and their contracted companies, distributed free to those who opt in. These developments are part of Amazon's focus on the "last 100 yards" of delivery, which represents the most expensive final steps to customers.

Additionally, Amazon revealed a robotic arm called Blue Jay, designed to work alongside warehouse employees. This robot picks items off shelves and sorts them, aiming for faster, more accurate order fulfilment and reduced injury rates. Blue Jay can also operate in smaller spaces compared to previous equivalent robots.

The Blue Jay robot is already active in a South Carolina warehouse, with plans to expand its deployment to more facilities. These will particularly include sub-same-day sites, which concentrate on deliveries within a few hours or less.

Credit: AMAZON

Amazon also plans to implement an artificial intelligence system in warehouses, starting at a facility in Tennessee. This system will manage high-level operations, preventing gridlock and other slowdowns. Tye Brady, chief technologist of Amazon robotics, stated the tool can analyse site data as it happens, helping operators with daily planning once fully implemented. The company intends to offer this software across its warehouse network.

Previous initiatives include a delivery van scanner, which directs drivers to packages for each stop by shining a green spotlight on them. In June, new digital maps offering detailed neighbourhood information, building shapes, and obstacles were also shown.

The company's expansion of warehouse robots is projected to reduce its United States hiring by 160,000 workers over the next two years, according to The New York Times. Amazon does plan to hire 250,000 temporary workers for the holiday season. Amazon shares declined 1.8% to USD 217.95, making it the only "Magnificent Seven" technology stock to record a year-to-date decline.

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• Amazon is using AI, robotics, and smart eyewear to speed up deliveries.

• New "Amelia" smartglasses provide navigation and package scanning for drivers.

• The "Blue Jay" robotic arm is enhancing warehouse efficiency, and an AI system is planned to do so upon deployment.

Source: REUTERS

Microsoft Enhances Copilot with Collaboration, Google Integration

Microsoft has introduced new features for its digital assistant, Copilot, including collaboration capabilities and deeper integration with applications such as Outlook, and Google. These enhancements aim to beef up Microsoft's artificial intelligence services to stave off competition.

Credit: MICROSOFT

Other artificial intelligence service providers, including Anthropic, and OpenAI, are upgrading their models. These companies are also launching products designed to capture a wider share of the booming AI market.

Credit: MICROSOFT

With user permission, Copilot can now apply reasoning capabilities across tabs in Microsoft's Edge browser. This enables it to summarise content, compare information, and take actions like booking a hotel.

Users can also transform previous searches into "storylines." This feature allows individuals to revisit older ideas and concepts.

Alongside the software features, the company unveiled an avatar named "Mico." This avatar, a nod to Microsoft Copilot, can display expressions and change colour to create more natural conversations, Microsoft stated.

Copilot Groups transforms the assistant into a shared space, supporting up to 32 people. This functionality enables users to collaborate on writing, and other projects together.

The digital assistant also features long-term memory, assisting users in tracking thoughts, and lists. Personalisation allows Copilot to remember a user's important information for recall in future interactions.

"It's absolutely essential for a companion to have memory. With Copilot's long-term memory, it naturally picks up on important details, and remembers them long after you've had the conversation," said AI Product Manager Ella Steckler at Microsoft.

Microsoft has also improved Copilot's handling of health-related questions. This enhancement addresses how to ground responses from credible sources, responding to rising concerns over misinformation from AI-generated answers.

The updates are currently live in the United States. Microsoft plans to roll them out across the UK, Canada, and other regions in the coming weeks.

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• Microsoft Copilot now features collaboration tools and deeper integration with applications like Outlook and Google.

• New functionalities include Edge browser reasoning, "storylines" for previous searches, and a "Mico" avatar for natural conversations.

• Copilot supports Groups for up to 32 users, long-term memory, and personalisation.

Source: REUTERS