Huawei HarmonyOS 6.1.1 Beta 1: Smart camera and developer tools boost

Huawei continues to develop its own software ecosystem, taking another step towards technological autonomy. The release of HarmonyOS 6.1.1 Beta 1 is not aimed at mass users, but at developers – they are the first to get access to new functions and tools that will become part of the stable version of the system in the future.

Camera with automatic tracking elements

One of the key updates was a reworking of the camera capabilities. The new automatic tracking function allows the system to keep the selected object in the center of the frame without user intervention.

Algorithms in real time analyze motion and adjust the frame due to dynamic scaling and cropping. As a result, the smartphone actually takes over part of the operator’s work – this is especially useful when shooting video, streaming or video calls, where it is important to keep the focus on the person.

Additionally implemented changes at the level of image processing. Developers have gained access to advanced preview options through updated Surface tools. This improves the smoothness of the image output and reduces the delay between the capture of the frame and its display on the screen.

Development environment and API updates

Since this is a beta version, the main focus is on the tools for creating applications. The DevEco Studio development environment has received API 24 support, which expands the possibilities of software interaction with the hardware part of devices.

Key improvements include:

• work more efficiently with C++ and resource files
• advanced log analysis tools, including application hang diagnostics
• accelerated compilation that reduces development time

These changes are aimed at simplifying and speeding up the process of creating applications, as well as improving their stability.

Ecosystem development strategy

For Huawei, such updates are of strategic importance. The company is actively forming its own ecosystem, striving to reduce dependence on third-party platforms and services.

The release of HarmonyOS 6.1.1 Beta 1 is not so much a user update as an infrastructure preparation phase. Developers get time to adapt their products to new APIs and requirements, so that by the time the final version is released, the system already has a stable and functional software base.