Huawei is developing its own “AppSearch” that aims to help users download a variety of apps without using Google Play. The new app has been introduced on Huawei’s German website and is currently in testing phase.
The idea that that apps that are not yet available in the HUAWEI AppGallery can be easily installed on your Android smartphone using the “AppSearch” app.
AppSearch will let users find and install the apps on their phones that are running on Huawei Mobile Services. You’ll be able to search for popular apps like Spotify, Telegram, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. The app will work with phones like the Huawei Mate30 series, P40 series, and Mate Xs. If an app has multiple sources, you have the option to choose where you download from.
The app description states it will assist users in finding the apps by consolidating all the multiple, third-party download sources. This includes Amazon App Store, APKMirror, APKMonk, APKPure, official website of the app, and when possible, Huawei’s own AppGallery.
Huawei makes it clear that they are not hosting any of the content directly, therefore, avoiding any legal issues with licensing and blocks. Instead, AppSearch works as a portal to download apps from the third-party hosting platforms listed above. It also looks as though Huawei will offer AppSearch as a download on its own AppGallery service.
It would be preferable if all these apps were available already on the AppGallery but it looks like it might take some time before Huawei gets them all on-board but this app may just be a temporary solution until that happens. Huawei are already offering incentives to developers and distributors.
AppSearch may be a good temporary solution but it’s major problem is that it may pose security risks, due to the fact that users will be downloading apps from various external sources, even if most of the sources are generally deemed as “safe” sources. If you’d like to try it out you can download it here.
