Cyber Security Magazine
Earlier this week, Facebook announced that Huawei would no longer be allowed to pre-install certain apps on smartphones. This includes Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. With Google rescinding Huawei’s license and now Facebook pulling the plug, it’s a wonder how Huawei still manages to stay afloat. The ban only applies to the pre-installed app. Both Google and Facebook will continue to offer support and security updates for all US Huawei phones. However, that’s where they draw the line.
Is this the end for the Chinese phonemaker?
It would seem that Trump’s war with Huawei goes merely on. Although the Chinese telecom giant managed to get on the good side of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SD Alliances, it did manage to sway Facebook.
At the beginning of this week, Facebook announced that Huawei would no longer be able to pre-install apps on smartphones and tablets. Tech support and e-store access will also be rescinded once the ban goes into effect.
We would like to remind the users that the Trump administration offered Huawei 90-day reprieve. More specifically, the Chinese phonemaker has 90-day to pack its bags and hit the road. In the meantime, both Facebook and Google have vouched to offer round-the-clock support for all Huawei and Honor owners, regardless of location.
So, what does this mean for the consumers? It all boils down to this: if you purchased a Huawei or Honor phone before the ban or still waiting for your unit to be shipped, then you have nothing to worry about. You’ll still be able to download the latest security updates, access Google Play’s features, and use your favorite social media applications.
There’s a little bit of confusion about Huawei laptop running Microsoft Windows. The company did indeed remove all Huawei laptops from its e-stores but failed to comment on whether or not it will continue to provide support for machines operating on US soil once the ban goes into effect.
Huawei has already begun looking for an alternative to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. We can’t say for certain if the Chinese phonemaker is able to develop something good enough to rival Facebook, but taking into account that social media is a money-making machine, we really don’t think Huawei will be giving it up for Lent anytime soon.
Now, as far as Facebook’s apps are concerned, Huawei users will still be able to fool around with them. Well, at least for the time being. It would also seem that Facebook’s latest decision will also affect other popular apps such as Twitter and Booking.com.
Though the California-based tech giant has been adamant, Twitter and Bookings refused to offer any details about the Huawei entanglement. Silence may be golden, but, in this case, it can be very confusing. Granted, Huawei and Honor owners will no longer be able to use Android apps on account of the ban, but what about other ‘vital’ applications’?
Wrap-up
Will Huawei recover after this blow? It’s still too early to tell, but losing the support of Facebook is never a good sign. What do you think about this development in the Huawei entanglement? Head to the comments section and let us know.
