Huawei is currently testing AppSearch, a search engine that searches the web for an application. With this new tool, already being tested in some European countries, the Chinese manufacturer is looking to permanently replace Google's Play Store.
Deprived of an Android license, Huawei is no longer allowed to integrate Google Mobile Services applications into its smartphones. The Chinese firm has therefore hastily developed Huawei Mobile Services, a suite of applications that includes an alternative to Google Maps developed with TomTom and App Gallery, an alternative shop at the Play Store.
At the moment, Huawei's app store is not yet as full as Google's. Ultra-popular apps in the West, such as Facebook or WhatsApp, are absent. To address this lack of content, the Chinese group has developed AppSearch, an application search engine,report our colleagues at XDA Developers.
Read also: Huawei Search – the manufacturer is testing an alternative to Google Search
Huawei is already testing AppSearch in Germany
In detail, this new tool will allow users of a Huawei smartphone to search for applications on the web in having to go through a traditional search engine. Already available on the App Gallery in Germany, the service will look for an application requested on several third-party shops and on reliable sites offering APKs. The tool aims to make life easier for users.
Among the shops and platforms highlighted by AppSearch is AppGallery. Unsurprisingly, the tool will first offer to download the requested app on the default built-in store on the smartphone. However, if the app is not available on AppGallery, AppSearch will invite users to switch to famous Alternatives to the Play Store, such as theAmazon Appstore, APKMirror, APK Monk or APKPure. The tool also lists the app's official website if an APK is offered.
In Germany, Huawei presents AppSearch as an easy way to install Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp on a private Android licensed smartphone. "AppSearch helps users find popular apps by listing multiple download sources," Huawei explains in the app. Please note that for legal reasons, the search engine does not directly provide download links. It is simply redirecting to third-party services, the Chinese group says.
While searching the application code, XDA Developers discovered a clue announcing the arrival of AppSearch in France. The service is expected to be deployed on a larger scale in the coming months. What do you think of the solution developed by Huawei? We are waiting for your opinion in the comments.
Source: XDA Developers