Following on from its inaugural Developer Workshop in May, HUAWEI continues with its support and training of local developers, through monthly workshops. These workshops provide training on Huawei’s Integration Kits, which developers can incorporate into their apps to provide convenience and functionality to users, case studies on app integrations with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), as well as tips and tricks on how HUAWEI AppGallery can provide further exposure and revenue-generating opportunities.
The workshops also play host to guest speakers, who provide case studies on their apps’ integration with HMS. The two so far have been Peter Matthaei, CEO of the Namola EMS Group, and Maurice Lau, Founder and Chairman of Silicon Burg International. These two companies were winners in the recent Huawei Developer Integration Challenge competition, for the apps which they created, Namola and My Fuel Rewards ZA (MFRZA) respectively.
Touching on why Silicon Burg decided to integrate the My Fuel Rewards ZA app with HUAWEI Mobile Services, Mr. Lau, says, “At Silicon Burg International we always aim to do the best for our clients. It is therefore a no brainer why we only develop natively for HUAWEI using HMS – optimal performance and the best results. Then uploading the apps onto HUAWEI AppGallery means access to a market like no other, it is the place to be!”
Mr. Matthaei adds, “Getting our safety app, Namola, on the HUAWEI AppGallery was a super simple exercise. It took us a mere two days to integrate with HMS, using CoreKit, AccountKit and LocationKit. Replacing Google Maps with HUAWEI MapKit took another two days. Submitting to the HUAWEI AppGallery is straightforward and simple. We commend the HUAWEI South Africa team for their ongoing assistance, answering questions, and pointing us in the right direction throughout this quick process.”
HUAWEI awards R1.4 million in prizes to local developers
With the aim of growing the HUAWEI Developer database, while at the same time rewarding local developers for their innovative and exciting work, the mechanics for the competition were simple. Developers had to integrate their app with the HUAWEI Mobile Services (HMS) ecosystem and then upload their app onto HUAWEI AppGallery within the competition period. All the eligible entries were then entered into a lucky draw.
The winners
Aside from Namola EMS Group and SiliconBurg International, here are the other winners who were selected:
· Top Code, with their Catch a Ride app
The application is a carpooling app that allows users to post their travel plans in order to share travel costs with others. Users can either look for a ride or share their own ride.
Commenting on the support which Top Code received during the integration of their app, the company’s Co-founder and Lead Developer Ndivhuwo Nthambeleni says, “HUAWEI provided some hands-on assistance to us at Top Code (PTY) LTD in order to get our application fully integrated with the HMS kits we use. We received assistance from the Huawei developer team during multiple sit-down sessions to assist with the device testing.”
· Afrihost
The app gives device users access to Afrihost’s ClientZone, with all of the services on offer conveniently located in one place.
“We recognised that HUAWEI smartphones were growing in popularity amongst our client base. Last year we launched our redesigned app and we wanted to make sure it was supported across all devices and operating systems – including the support of HUAWEI Mobile Services. We want all our app users to have the very best experience of the Afrihost app, whichever device they use,” explains Maserati Motloung, marketing specialist at Afrihost.
· ABSA Bank Limited
The Absa Banking App conveniently gathers all of the bank’s services in one place, allowing app users to fulfill all of their banking needs. From managing their accounts and obtaining statements to transacting, stopping and replacing lost or stolen cards, and getting money easily, Absa’s app allows people to bank on the go.
Huawei launches new Global Developer competition
Following on from the previous Developer Integration Challenge, HUAWEI announced the launch of its Global Huawei Mobile Developer Competition called Apps UP.
Developers from around the world are being invited to put their skills to the test on a global stage with the launch of this inaugural contest, which will see entrants compete against other experienced developers to create innovative apps that improve and help navigate everyday life.
There are USD$1 million in cash prizes in total to be won around the World, in the following categories: Best App, Best Game, Best Social Impact App, Most Popular App, and Honourable Mentions.