HarmonyOS NEXT beta already started to rollout for some users with new features

HarmonyOS NEXT closed beta is rolling out to some eligible device users with a range of exciting features. The latest testing version also has improvements to major segments of the device. It fixes a few issues found in the previous software builds.

The tech giant has already scheduled the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta for October 8. Ahead of that, it has now kicked off a new beta build for its eligible device users.

Pura 70 series, Mate 60 lineup, and the Pocket 2 foldable phones are the main models getting the new beta software version. The update is rolling out with the HarmonyOS NEXT.0.0.70 version. It also has a downloadable package of 1.59 Gigabytes.

Note that this update will likely be available to Mate X5, MatePad Pro 13.2, and MatePad Pro 11 2024 models. You can check the update availability via Settings.

Speaking of the changelog, the company has added new gallery features and smart tools to the device’s system. It has upgraded the MeeTime app with Beidou satellite SMS support. Users will also find a new background feature in the Gallery.

Huawei has further enhanced the SuperDevice capabilities. It supports multi-screen collaboration with all devices including PCs. Users can access a new earthquake feature that alerts users via notifications when detect an earthquake nearby.

The company has also fixed the fingerprint and volume adjustment issues with the new HarmonyOS NEXT beta update. You can check more details below.

HarmonyOS NEXT beta already started to rollout for some users with new features (Image Credits: Huawei)

HarmonyOS NEXT Beta: Changelog & Features

MeeTime app

• Supports Beidou satellite SMS feature. Users can send or receive messages through the Beidou satellite network without a cellular connection, to stay connected with the outside world. (Mate 60 Pro only supports Tiantong satellite)

Gallery

• Upgraded the AI removal feature to remove irrelevant objects in photos, and erase irrelevant passers-by or debris in photos.
• Added a new background decolorization feature that removes the background color of the photo and highlights the subject.
• Portrait album now supports selecting your favorite portrait photo as the cover.

SuperDevice

• Supports multi-screen collaboration between smartphones and tablets through SuperDevice. Users need to log in to the same Huawei account and the device should be running on NEXT.0.0.70SP3 or above versions)
• Supports multi-screen collaboration with Huawei PC via SuperDevice (PC Manager version 13.x or above)
• Supports connecting Huawei earbuds and smart glasses via SuperDevice (Bluetooth pairing required)

System

• Added a new earthquake warning feature. When an earthquake occurs nearby, the phone will warn you a few seconds to tens of seconds in advance through the notification bar or the full-screen prompt pop-up window, and an alarm sound, depending on the magnitude of the earthquake, giving you more time to avoid danger.
• Upgraded the scrolling screenshots. When the screenshot content exceeds on screen, you can use the scrolling screenshots. It easily freezes the moment on the screen and users can share them with friends/family.
• After pinching the home screen to enter the editing interface, users can select multiple home screen icons to drag in batches.
• Upgraded the Do Not Disturb feature which allows you to set a Do Not Disturb time. During this period, the feature will reject calls and mute the notifications to reduce interruptions. One can also customize the settings.
• Fixed the issue that desktop icons cannot be dragged across screens to folders. Fixed the issue that the alarm clock cannot intelligently skip holidays.

Memo

• Memo content supports intelligent typesetting, polishing, rewriting, and smart summary.
• Supports voice-to-text features. It converts the input voice into text memo content synchronously.

Fingerprint

• Fixed the issue of fingerprint unlocking with a flashing screen.

Sound

• Fixed the issue of insensitive volume adjustment in some scenarios.