Third-party apps are finally heading to Huawei smartwatches
Recognition: Kris Carlon / Android Authority
- Huawei opens its smartwatch platform to third-party developers.
- This means that apps created outside the company walls can be installed on the devices.
- The Fitify fitness app is the first available.
Huawei uses solid hardware in its smartwatches, but they are often disappointed by simple, limited software. Now the company announced the first third party app that can be installed on Lite OS. In particular, Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro users can now install Fitify – the first third-party app available to users outside of China.
While the app itself will likely be a boon for those who focus on personalized workouts, it is the implication of the news that will excite Huawei wearables users the most. Fitify could be the first in a long list of apps going on the platform. The company is determined to work with third party developers to improve the portable platform offering.
Continue reading: The best home exercise apps for Android
For Huawei, working with third-party developers is more important than ever. The smartphone division discovered this the hard way in May 2019 when support for Google services and the Play Store was pulled from new products. While AppGallery continues to provide a fair void, the company has since struggled to regain a foothold in the smartphone market. In terms of smartphone shipments worldwide, it recently fell behind Oppo and Vivo in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Despite the problems with the smartphone, wearables are an important sector for the company. According to Counterpoint, the Watch GT 2 was the third best smartwatch in the first half of 2020. According to the same report, Huawei only lagged behind Apple and Garmin in the wearables market.
Load surveyMore apps would also be an absolute fan for Huawei watches. In our Watch GT 2 Pro review, we loved the long battery life and intelligent fitness tracking functions, but lamented the dull app support. Other devices are also likely to benefit from this move.
What do you think of the news from Huawei? Let us know if it affects your opinion about their smartwatches by voting in the poll above!
