In today's era of smart technology, having multiple devices is not just a trend but practically a necessity, especially for those seeking maximum productivity both at work and at play. However, connecting all these devices easily and efficiently has long been a headache. This is where HarmonyOS and its Super Device feature (Super Device), Huawei's big bet to achieve a smooth, simple and secure integration of all its technological products. Let's talk about interconnection between devices with HarmonyOS (Super Device).
Throughout this article, we explain in detail How interconnection between devices with HarmonyOS works, what advantages the Super Device ecosystem offers, what devices are compatible, and how it works in both professional and personal settings. If you're curious about how to transform your tech experience and ditch the cables and complicated setups, keep reading because this is for you.
What is the HarmonyOS Super Device?
The concept Super Device emerges as the logical evolution of connected ecosystems. Huawei introduced this functionality to offer a unified experience across smartphones, tablets, computers, watches, speakers, and other smart devices, eliminating fragmentation and opting for total integration. This connectivity between Huawei devices allows you to manage everything easily and securely from a single centralized environment.
The central idea is that you can Use multiple Huawei devices as if they were a single device, sharing resources, information, and controls with just a few taps. Forget emailing or cumbersome file transfer methods: now you can simply drag, drop, or simply link devices almost magically thanks to wireless technologies already the intelligence of the HarmonyOS operating system.
Origin and evolution of the Super Device concept
The path to this full integration It started back in 2018, when Huawei launched OneHop, allowing users to share files between smartphones and MateBook laptops with just one tap. In 2020, the multi-screen collaboration, which allowed you to view the contents of your phone in a window on your PC or tablet. Finally, in 2021, Huawei took a step forward with HarmonyOS and the Super Device, taking interconnection to the next level.
This ecosystem is designed to boost productivity, creativity, and entertainment allowing, for example, to open up to three mobile windows on the computer screen, make video calls on a smart display, or drag files between devices instantly and wirelessly.
How does interconnection work? Basic principles
The operation of the interconnection between devices with HarmonyOS It is based on several key pillars:
- Distributed virtual bus: It allows the operating system to be decoupled from the hardware, allowing communication and cooperation between different devices.
- Distributed data management: Ensures that information transfer between devices is stable, fast, and low latency.
- Distributed security: It offers advanced, certified protection for every connection and operation between devices.
On a practical level, the interconnection is done through a very user-friendly interface. The user only has to drag the icon from one device to the other within the HarmonyOS dashboard (or via the PC Manager app on computers). The system automatically detects whether it's best to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and it all happens without any technical complications.
Practical uses: creativity, productivity and leisure
One of the strong points of Super Device is its versatility of use both in work environments and for entertainment. Let's review its main applications:
- Multi-screen collaboration: You can project your smartphone screen onto your PC or tablet, run up to three mobile apps at the same time on your computer, or use your tablet as a second screen of the MateBook, with mirror, extended, and full collaboration modes.
- Ultra-fast file transfer: Instantly and wirelessly drag and drop photos, videos, documents, or other files between devices. You can even use the MatePad Paper as an external storage drive or stream books and documents two-way.
- Smart search: The function of AI Search allows you to locate files, images or applications on any of the connected devices, regardless of where they are stored.
- Remote control and sharing: Control your phone from your tablet or computer, use your PC's keyboard and mouse to operate your tablet, or manage speakers and headphones from your mobile phone without switching devices.
In addition, the ecosystem includes access to Huawei AppGallery mobile apps directly from your PC, thanks to technologies such as Huawei Mobile App Engine, which further expands the possibilities.
Device compatibility and requirements
Not all devices are compatible with Super Device, although the list is constantly growing. Currently, you can take full advantage of this feature on:
- Huawei Smartphones with EMUI 12 or higher
- MatePad Tablets with HarmonyOS 2.0 and MatePad Paper
- MateBook Laptops with Huawei PC Manager 11.1 or higher (even better from version 12.0.2)
- MateView Smart Monitors
- PixLab X1 Printer
- Sound Joy Speaker and other Huawei smart accessories
Enough with update software to the latest version and, for computers, log in with your Huawei ID in PC Manager to access connections and pair new devices.
Steps to activate and use Super Device
The process is really simple:
- In the HarmonyOS control panel or in Huawei PC Manager, look for the option to add or pair new devices.
- Select the device that you want to connect (smartphone, tablet, monitor, etc.).
- Confirm the link, which may require authorization on both devices for security.
- Ready! Now you can drag and drop files, share screens, apps, or control music and other resources between all linked gadgets.
Also, thanks to the auto-discovery technologyIf you have multiple Huawei devices nearby, they will automatically appear on the panel for quick and direct connection.
Security and certifications in the connected environment
Huawei has put a special emphasis on safety of this system. It not only allows you to connect devices that comply with strict safety requirements, but rather manages the level of accreditation of each one according to the importance of the data transferred.
HarmonyOS 2 has several high-level certifications:
- EAL 4+ information security
- Microkernel Security Certification CC EAL 5+
These guarantees, added to the continuous app monitoring and an advanced protection mode that only allows apps approved in the AppGallery to be installed, making the ecosystem one of the most secure options on the market for connecting and managing multiple devices.
Difference between Super Device and other integration technologies
While other brands have launched their own synchronization solutions (such as Apple's Home app or Samsung's features for Windows), Huawei's approach is more global and focused on the full integration of hardware and software in its own ecosystem. Unlike limited syncs, the Super Device allows, for example:
- Extend or mirror your PC desktop on your tablet, even allowing the use of stylus and other advanced functions between the two.
- Run mobile apps on your PC without installing emulators or strange configurations.
- Sync widgets and information in real time between mobile phones, tablets, watches and televisions from the Huawei ecosystem.
- Get instant access to exclusive gestures from the laptop trackpad for screenshots, recordings, and volume or brightness adjustments.
All this, always with a focus on ease of use and the absence of cables and traditional configurations.
Everyday applications: concrete examples
How does all this translate into real life? Here are some common scenarios:
- Teleworking and Smart Office: Work from anywhere using your MateBook laptop and MatePad tablet as a second screen, sharing files with a simple drag and drop, or even taking handwritten notes that sync automatically.
- Creative collaboration: Use the MatePad or MatePad Paper touchscreen as a sketchpad while viewing the results in real time on your PC, or switch from a video call on your phone to the big screen without losing quality.
- Connected leisure: Control music from any device, stream media to your MateView display, or use smart headphones and speakers that automatically pair based on context.
- Smart home and office management: Print documents directly from your phone or tablet to the PixLab X1 printer, control compatible home appliances using the HarmonyOS dashboard, and receive synchronized notifications across all your devices.
Featured devices in the supported ecosystem
Huawei is investing heavily in a wide range of products compatible with HarmonyOS and Super Device technology. Among the most notable are:
- Huawei MateBook X Pro: Flagship laptop with a 3.1K display, lightweight design, and advanced touch capabilities for direct collaboration with tablets, monitors, and smartphones.
- Huawei MateBook E: First 2-in-1 OLED laptop, ideal for users looking for maximum portability and collaboration between Windows and HarmonyOS.
- Huawei MateStation X: Minimalist, all-in-one desktop computer with no visible ports, perfect as a central hub for connected work.
- MatePad and MatePad Paper: Tablets that allow for immersive reading, as well as use as secondary screens, smart notepads, and even external storage for other devices.
- PixLab X1: Multifunction laser printer that pairs in seconds and lets you print, copy, or scan from any Huawei device.
- Sound Joy: High-battery portable speaker with instant connectivity and a rugged design, perfect for hassle-free music.
Compatibility also extends to accessories such as keyboards, Bluetooth headsets, smart monitors, and, in the future, more connected home appliances.
Limitations and aspects to take into account
Although the experience is very positive, it should be noted that Full integration is only achieved when all equipment is from Huawei and is properly updated.. While some collaboration features can be used with Windows (for example, thanks to integration with PC Manager), the most fluid and advanced experience is designed for the brand's own ecosystem. The advancement of Harmony OS Connect This will allow for the addition of more and more Internet of Things devices in the coming years, further simplifying users' digital lives.
This set of features and compatibility positions Huawei as a leader in the integration of smart devices in the home and officeEase of use, a robust ecosystem, and practical possibilities make digital life more convenient, productive, and secure, bringing users ever closer to an environment where everything works in harmony thanks to HarmonyOS.