Amid Google ban, Huawei's Honor will continue to grow, claims top official

Chinese smartphone major Huawei’s consumer devices brand Honor, which launched three new Android-based smartphones on Tuesday amid uncertainty over access to key services of Google-owned software platform, exuded confidence that it will continue to grow in the industry. 

“Honor will continue to work hard to bring out best innovation, best product and best technology for everybody and will continue to work to support the best experience to our customers. Honor will continue to grow in this industry and will continue to grow with young people,” Honor President George Zhao said while unveiling the Honor 20 series smartphones here.

Google on Monday said its basic services on Huawei smartphones still will function following US sales curbs, but the Chinese tech giant faces the possible loss of other features Huawei Technologies Ltd., which uses Google's Android operating system in its smartphones, said it would continue to provide security updates and service. It gave no indication which map, photo or other services they might lose and support. 

"We assure you while we are complying with all US gov't requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device," said Google on Twitter.

Earlier, Google barred Huawei from some updates to the Android operating system. This came after US President Donald Trump’s administration added Huawei to a list of companies that American firms cannot trade with unless they have a licence. "Complying with the order and reviewing the implications,” Google said in a statement. Several countries have raised concerns that Huawei gear could be used by China for surveillance.

Huawei however has said its work does not pose any threats and that it is independent from the Chinese government. 

Earlier, Huawei founder had said that Huawei is ready to deal with Washington's crackdown and will reduce its reliance on US components. "We have already been preparing for this," Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said. 

Huawei is a rapidly expanding leader in 5G technology but remains dependent on foreign suppliers.  It buys about USD 67 billion worth of components each year, including about USD 11 billion from US suppliers, according to The Nikkei business daily. 

US government agencies are already banned from buying equipment from Huawei. Huawei claims to have nearly 190,000 employees, operates in 170 countries, and reported revenue of more than USD 100 billion in 2018.