Microsoft failed to popularize the use of its Windows system in smartphones years ago.

Huawei plans to partner with other companies to set up China's first open-source software foundation, which is expected to start operating in a month or two to expand the nation's software community.

Shao Yang, chief strategy officer of Huawei's consumer business group, said the company knows that it is impossible for Huawei to build the ecosystem alone and a wide range of partners are needed to ensure its vigor.

"Huawei will function as a platform. We will refrain from entering too many sectors. For instance, we won't make artificial intelligence-enabled table lamps or cars. We just want to enable cars to be connected to smartphones," Shao said.

Ma Miao, a software developer, said he is willing to develop mobile applications for the Harmony operating system, but time is needed to see whether Huawei's tools are as easy and efficient as promised.

On the night of Aug 10, Ma went to a concert Huawei held for developers. Loud music and songs resonated around the company's Songshanhu research and development base.

It felt like just a bar and the hustle and bustle, and happy atmosphere made it hard to believe that Huawei has faced US government restrictions for three months.

"I am impressed with Huawei's resilience amid mounting pressure. And I am happy to be part of its long march to popularize HarmonyOS," Ma added.