Huawei's dispute with the US government doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon, leaving the company unable to do business with US-based companies, one of which is Google. After Google's own ban on Huawei, the Chinese technology company is looking for life.
Although Huawei can still run an open source version of Android on its devices, it cannot ship new devices with services like Google Play Store.
The company is working hard to develop a application ecosystem alternative centered on your app gallery.
Huawei Tom Tom, alternative maps to Google Maps
It has even set aside a significant amount of money for developers to join. is working on alternatives for google apps, and today we can see its equivalent on Google Maps.
Huawei exec says 5G smartphones under $150 will be a reality by Q2020 XNUMX
According to a report by Reuters, Huawei has struck a deal with Netherlands-based TomTom to provide it with the company's maps, traffic information and navigation software to develop apps for its smartphones. TomTom spokesman Remco Meerstra said the deal had been closed some time ago but was not made public.
Tom Tom Maps vs. Google Maps
Unlike Google Maps, TomTom Maps is based on a subscription-based model and even had a dedicated piece of hardware. You get an in-flight interface with an oblique bird's-eye view of the road, as well as a direct map view from above.
The app even provides visual and spoken instructions on how to drive to the specified destination.
It will be interesting to see how many of these features make it to the version of TomTom maps that will run on Huawei devices. TomTom will most likely still keep some of the premium features and let Huawei run a watered down version of its app.
We should learn more about Huawei's alternatives to Google apps in the coming weeks. A company spokesman said last year that they would be up and running by December 2019.
There is a lot of ground to cover and it is practically impossible to create an equivalent of YouTube or Gmail at this point. Surely Huawei invented something, they have economic power, right? China supports with money and cheap labor, it is a win to win.
Leave your comment about these movements of Huawei and Tom Tom maps.