OnePlus to introduce Harry Potter edition of OnePlus Watch.
The post OnePlus to launch Harry Potter edition Watch appeared first on Pocketnow.
After a VERY buggy start, OnePlus Watch gets a major update with new tricks
OnePlus Watch finally gets an always-on display mode with the latest software update, but it also cuts down the battery life in half.
The post After a VERY buggy start, OnePlus Watch gets a major update with new tricks appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch begins redemption ride with first update, always-on display coming
The OnePlus Watch finally made its debut last month. But despite all the hype and hoopla, the first OnePlus smartwatch received some scathing criticism for a whole lot of issues ranging from software shortcomings to tracking inaccuracies. Well, the folks over at OnePlus appear to have paid heed to the concerns and have rolled out the first software update that addresses some of the key problems spotted by the tech community.
OnePlus says that the software update improves the GPS reliability, enhances the accuracy of tracking for activities such as walking and running, and fixes the erratic raise-to-wake functionality. Following is the complete changelog of the OnePlus Watch software update:
- Improved GPS performance
- Improved accuracy of activity tracking (walking and running)
- Optimized heart rate monitoring algorithm
- Enabled notification app icons for the most frequently used apps
- Improved raise-to-wake function
- Optimized notification syncing algorithm
- Fixed some known bugs
- Improved system stability
The update has started rolling out for OnePlus Watch users in the US and Canada, and will expand to other regions in the days to come. In addition to the aforementioned changes, OnePlus has also outlined some of the features that it is currently working on. The first one is an always-on display mode, alongside an AI-driven watch face tool. For fitness enthusiasts, OnePlus says it is going to enable all the 110+ workout modes that the watch supports.
Soon, the OnePlus Watch will show time in a 12-hour format too.
OnePlus Watch will also add a remote camera shutter functionality when paired with a phone running Android 6 or a later version. Another weird problem that the OnePlus Watch is going to fix soon is with the time format. Oddly, the OnePlus wearable only supports showing the time in a 24-hour format, something not many potential buyers were happy about. Thankfully, that will change soon with support for a 12-hour time format that will arrive via another software update.
-
In case the OnePlus Watch doesn’t cut it for you, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is a great choice. This one not only looks super clean, but also offers an MIL-STD-810G certified build with IP68 dust and water resistance. The software is feature-loaded, and there are a ton of fitness-centric capabilities that also include blood oxygen level and blood pressure monitoring.
The post OnePlus Watch begins redemption ride with first update, always-on display coming appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus reveals why its first smartwatch doesn’t run Wear OS, and it’s no surprise
OnePlus launched its first smartwatch – christened the OnePlus Watch – earlier this month. The device comes with some impressive features such as Sapphire Glass protection, up to 14 days of battery life, fast charging, and support for over 110 workout types. However, the most notable aspect – or omission – would be the OS driving it. Instead of going with the more feature-rich and versatile Wear OS by Google, OnePlus opted for an RTOS-based software experience. And now, the company has revealed the key reason behind its choice – battery life. Here’s what a OnePlus Product Manager wrote in an official forum post:
“Another thing I’ve noticed in your comments is questions about why we chose to use the RTOS system instead of Wear OS. When making a decision like this, we always have to weigh the benefits with the challenges to come up with what we think will result in the best user experience. We found that both operating systems had a lot of great things to offer, but some drawbacks as well. So after weighing all of our options, we ended up choosing RTOS primarily because of the ability to better offer our users a longer battery life.”
However, there were a few other reasons behind ditching Wear OS for the OnePlus Watch. The company notes that going with a custom RTOS software experience also allowed it to import what it calls ‘high frame rate display debugging experience.’ The latter allowed the company to raise the display refresh rate from the normal 30Hz to 50Hz, offering a smoother experience. OnePlus has gone all-in on the smooth experience fad for while now and has equipped almost all og its recent phones with a high-refresh-rate (90Hz or 120Hz) panel.
Battery life woes of Wear OS smartwatches are a common knowledge
So, it is no surprise to see that the company was striving for the same with its first smartwatch. Interestingly, WearOS was also the reason that OnePlus shelved its smartwatch ambitions years ago because it couldn’t offer the experience and efficiency that the company was after.
The OnePlus Watch is priced at $159 and offers an IP68-certified build with 5ATM rating. It features a round 1.39-inch AMOLED display with 454×454 pixel resolution, which translates to a pixel density of 326PPI. It comes armed with a 402mAh battery that lasts up to 14 days with typical usage, and 5 days when sleep and blood oxygen saturation measurement is enabled. There are two color options up for grabs – Midnight Silver and Midnight Black – with a third Cobalt Limited Edition also on the table.
View OnePlus 9 at Best BuyView OnePlus 9 Pro at Best Buy
The post OnePlus reveals why its first smartwatch doesn’t run Wear OS, and it’s no surprise appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch buyers can get $20 off. Here’s how
Alongside the OnePlus 9 series, the company announced its first-ever smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch. It is priced at $159, and will go on sale starting April 14. But did you know you can get it for $139? OnePlus US and OnePlus Canada are offering $20 off on the pre-orders of their wearable.
The information comes from a tweet, which leads us to a post on OnePlus forum that details the offer. OnePlus says, “we would like to give each and every one of you a $20 credit toward the new OnePlus Watch. From March 23rd, 11:10 AM EDT to April 14th, 00:00 AM EDT, you will able to claim this $20 credit, applicable to anyone in the US and Canada.”
You need to go to this page and click on the “claim now” button,” which is available till April 14 midnight. Then, you can visit OnePlus.com on April 14, 11 AM EST to place your order. And, done! Your $20 Voucher will be automatically applied at check out. However, this voucher will be valid till June 1 so make sure you place your order by June 1 before the credit expires.
The OnePlus Watch features a round 46mm dial made of stainless steel. It comes in two color options of Silver and Black. The smartwatch is IP68 rated and offers a 5ATM certified build. It is claimed to last two weeks on a single charge. Moreover, you get support for Warp Charging that is said to provide a day’s worth of usage with just five minutes of charging, and a week’s worth of usage with a 20 minute charge. It packs a 402mAh battery. Plus, you get over 50 watch faces to choose from.
The OnePlus Watch offers over 110 workout modes including a dedicated Parkour mode. There are features such as heart rate monitoring, stress detection, blood oxygen saturation monitoring, inactivity alerts, and more. As for smart features, it lets you see notifications, answer phone calls, control music playback, and even use it as a remote shutter button for clicking images.
The post OnePlus Watch buyers can get $20 off. Here’s how appeared first on Pocketnow.
How to watch OnePlus 9 series, OnePlus Watch launch today
OnePlus is all set to host an event today where it will be launching the OnePlus 9 series and its OnePlus Watch. The smartphone lineup is confirmed to consist of three smartphones including the OnePlus 9R, OnePlus 9, and the OnePlus 9 Pro. The OnePlus 9R is said to be specific to India. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed several details regarding its upcoming products.
The OnePlus 9 series launch will take place at 10 AM EST / 7:30 PM IST / 2MP GMT today, March 23. It will be livestreamed online through OnePlus’ official channels on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also watch the OnePlus 9 series launch below:
The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 SoC, whereas the 9R is tipped to have the Snapdragon 690 under the hood. Both the 9 and 9 Pro will sport an AMOLED display but only the latter will come with “Smart 120Hz” feature that allows the phone to go down to as low as 1Hz to conserve battery when needed.
The OnePlus 9 Pro will feature a quad rear camera setup of 48MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto + 2MP monochrome. According to rumors, the OnePlus 9 will lack a telephoto lens and come with three rear cameras. Both the devices are tipped to pack a 4,500mAh battery. Moreover, the Pro model will come with support for 50W fast wireless charging.
As per leaked specifications for the OnePlus Watch, the wearable will feature a circular dial and come with IP68-certified build. It could come with a 1.39-inch (454×454 pixels) HD AMOLED display with a 2.5D curved glass protection. A 402mAh battery will power the device. It is tipped to come in a Cobalt Limited Edition with a special vegan leather strap aside from the usual Black and Silver color variants. It is also rumored to feature Warp Charge technology, which is said to provide a week’s battery life in just 20 minutes of charge. The device could sell for 150 euros in Europe.
The post How to watch OnePlus 9 series, OnePlus Watch launch today appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch appears in leaked images rocking silver and black trims
We recently had our first look at the upcoming OnePlus Watch, and some of its key details were confirmed by the company last week. Leaks about its specs and capabilities have also surfaced, and now, alleged marketing shots of the device have made their online. Prolific certification watcher and leakster Mukul Sharma aka @stufflistings has shared what appears to be marketing renders of the OnePlus Watch in two colors – silver and black.
OnePlus Watch official images. The watch will come in a special Cobalt Limited Edition as well. This one will have a flat display, vegan leather band, sapphire glass and different color.
Feel free to retweet.#OnePlus #OnePlusWatch pic.twitter.com/mOfmKrxtha— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) March 22, 2021
Looks like there will be a Limited Edition Cobalt model too rocking some gold bling
The OnePlus Watch model with the silver case is paired with a beige strap that appears to be made out of silicone. The black trim, on the other hand, has a matching black strap that appears to have a wavy pattern on it. The design actually looks neat, and is reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2. Actually, the resemblance to Samsung’s smartwatch is a tad too uncanny here.
As per leaks, the OnePlus Watch will come in a single 46mm variant and could offer capabilities such as continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and dedicated swimming mode as well. There will be a ton of activity tracking mode, and a promise of seamless integration with OnePlus’ ecosystem of products that even includes controlling a TV with the smartwatch that will reportedly be priced around €150 in the European market.
1.39-inch, 454 x 454 HD AMOLED panel, 2.5D glass, 326 PPI
402mAh battery, 5 days sleep blood oxygen monitoring, 25 hours continuous exercise with GPS, 5ATM IP68
Cobalt Limited Edition will feature a special vegan leather strap#OnePlus #OnePlusWatch https://t.co/ahRKcCmUCg— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) March 22, 2021
The upcoming wearable is also said to offer support for fast charging too, providing enough juice for a week’s worth of usage with just 20 minutes of charging. Last week, OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus Watch won’t be running Wear OS, as the company is going for a custom RTOS-based software experience. I argued that ditching Wear OS is a good move, especially if you take the pricing and battery life into consideration. My colleague, however, thinks that no Wear OS means users will be devoid of advanced app functionalities such as actionable notifications.
The post OnePlus Watch appears in leaked images rocking silver and black trims appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch tipped to cost €150 in Europe
OnePlus Watch is all set to launch alongside the OnePlus 9 series on March 23. Ahead of the launch, renders of the device have already leaked online. Now, a new leak tips the price of the upcoming product. According to the tipster Ishan Agarwal, the OnePlus Watch will be priced at EUR 150 in the European market.
The tipster took to Twitter to post some more renders of OnePlus Watch alongside its price. As per him, the OnePlus Watch price will start at around €150 for the European/EU Market. Further, it is said to come in two color options of Black and Silver. The device could be priced according to each market. Hence, you are requested to not convert €150 in your currency and assume the OnePlus Watch price in your country.
As per the renders, the device will have two buttons on each side. The top button on the right edge will come with the ‘OnePlus’ logo embedded on it. It is likely to feature silicone straps, as we can see in the render. The company has already confirmed to run RTOS instead of WearOS. While this is good news for the battery, it might not be so good for the functionality.
The OnePlus Watch will come with a circular dial, which could measure 46mm. While there is no information on the processor used, the smartwatch could come with 4GB of RAM. Plus, it could be rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, and have a SpO2 sensor onboard.
As per previous leak, the OnePlus Watch will offer automatic workout detection, a swimming mode, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and more. The device is said to feature a “multitude of activity tracking modes.” Coming to the smarts, it could allow you to make or answer phone calls, display notifications, and control music on your smartphone. Additionally, it might double up as a remote control for OnePlus TVs.
The OnePlus Watch is also tipped to feature Warp Charge technology, which is said to provide a week’s battery life in just 20 minutes of charge. It could be made available in both standard and LTE variants.
The post OnePlus Watch tipped to cost €150 in Europe appeared first on Pocketnow.
Here’s our alleged first look at the OnePlus Watch
OnePlus is all set to launch its first smartwatch on March 23 alongside the OnePlus 9 series. The company has already confirmed several details regarding its upcoming product. Now, a OnePlus Watch render has appeared online, which gives us our first look at the device.
The latest information comes from @UnboxTherapy on Twitter who posted the alleged first look of the OnePlus Watch. It seems to have two buttons on the right edge, with the ‘OnePlus’ logo embedded on the top one. The wearable is likely to feature silicone straps, as we can see in the OnePlus Watch render.
The upcoming wearable is confirmed to run RTOS instead of WearOS. While this is good news for the battery, it might not be so good for the functionality. The OnePlus Watch will feature a circular dial, which could measure 46mm. It is tipped to be made available in two color variants of Black and Silver. While there is no information on the processor used, the smartwatch could come with 4GB of RAM. It will also have IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
While the OnePlus Watch render reveals the first look, it doesn’t reveal much about the features. However, previous leak has said that the wearable will offer automatic workout detection, a swimming mode, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and more. There will be a SpO2 sensor onboard. It is said to feature a “multitude of activity tracking modes.” As for the smart features, it will allow you to make or answer phone calls, display notifications, and control music on your smartphone.
The OnePlus Watch will also double up as a remote control for OnePlus TVs. That’s not all – the device is also rumored to feature Warp Charge technology, which is said to provide a week’s battery life in just 20 minutes of charge. It could be made available in both standard and LTE variants.
The post Here’s our alleged first look at the OnePlus Watch appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch not running WearOS gives me hope but…
Yesterday, major specifications of the OnePlus Watch were leaked. The leak claimed that the upcoming product would offer a week’s battery life with just 20 minutes of charge. This translates to the device not running WearOS – I was making an educated guess here since WearOS devices don’t even last as long as two days. However, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has confirmed that the company’s first smartwatch will not run Google’s WearOS.
On a forum post, he wrote, “When developing the OnePlus Watch, we tried to understand the pain points for a smart watch wearer. We chose to go with a smart wear operating system developed based on RTOS because we believe it provides you a smooth and reliable experience while offering a great battery life, covering some of the biggest concerns we’ve been hearing from people looking to buy a smartwatch.”
RTOS is a perfectly capable smartwatch OS
Now, RTOS is a perfectly capable operating system for a wearable. Thanks to its less power-consumption nature, it gives manufacturers the flexibility to go with low-end processors and keep the costs down. This also allows the wearable to last longer than the usual WearOS-running devices. Generally, a WearOS-running smartwatch gives you a maximum of two days battery life, while a RTOS-running watch can last up to 14 days! I’m really happy (like my colleague Nadeem) that an upcoming product from OnePlus will last me a week with 20 minutes of charge but my major pain point with RTOS remains.
RTOS and notifications
On one hand, OnePlus Watch not running WearOS gives me hope, on the other, I’m a little skeptical. My issue with RTOS is lack of support for actionable notifications. I’ve tested at least half a dozen smartwatches running RTOS in the last six months, and one major gripe that I’ve had with them was that they weren’t “smart” enough.
You get informed but you can't do anything with that information
RTOS doesn’t allow you to take action on the notifications. For instance, you’ll know what your friend messaged on WhatsApp but you’ll not be able to reply to the message. Heck, you can’t even swipe to remove the notification from your smartwatch – at least that’s how it is on the watches I’ve used from Amazfit, Huawei and Honor.
It informs you but you cannot do anything with that information. You’ll need your smartphone for taking any kind of action. On the other hand, WearOS is smart enough to enable actionable notifications.
I wish OnePlus had found a way to offer a good battery life with WearOS. That way, we’d have the best of both worlds! Call it wishful thinking but I hope it happens someday. (I’ll not go into third-party app support here. Personally, RTOS does the work for me with the inbuilt apps).
I was really hoping to see a brand giving tough fight to Apple alongside Samsung in the Android world. But hey, the watch is yet to launch!
OnePlus Watch will face some serious competition
You’ll get long battery life on a single charge! That being said, it would be interesting to see how OnePlus differentiates its offering from that of Huawei and Amazfit. The latter offers a slew of features at a price point that’s hard to beat. Lately, Amazfit has been doing a good job with its GTR 2 and GTS 2 series of smartwatches, and it is also rumored to bring ECG support in the future.
As for the leaked specifications, the OnePlus Watch looks like any other smart wearable available in the market. It is tipped to offer automatic workout detection, a swimming mode, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and more. The usual stuff like SpO2 sensor and notifications. It is rumored to also allow you to make or answer phone calls, and control music on your smartphone.
While there is no word on pricing, we expect it to be a budget offering, and around the price range of Amazfit GTR 2. It is said to be made available in both standard and LTE variants.
OnePlus is yet to showcase its product. We might see some surprises at the launch. I’m hoping to see at least one.
What do you think of OnePlus Watch not running WearOS? Let us know in the comments below.
The post OnePlus Watch not running WearOS gives me hope but… appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus Watch leak tips a week’s battery in 20 minutes charge, 4GB storage and more
OnePlus has already confirmed that it will be launching its first smartwatch alongside the OnePlus 9 series on March 23, which is just around the corner. While the name of the device isn’t yet clear, it is being called ‘OnePlus Watch’. Now, ahead of the launch, a new leak has revealed most of the specifications of the upcoming device.
The information comes from a report by Pricebaba, which has partnered with tipster Ishan Agarwal. While OnePlus is yet to say anything about its upcoming wearable, we now know almost everything about the device. The OnePlus Watch is tipped to feature a circular dial, which could measure 46mm. It is said to be made available in two color variants of Black and Silver. Further, it will come with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Hence, we can assume it to offer swimming as part of its fitness modes. It could come with 4GB of onboard storage.
OnePlus Watch leak says that it will offer automatic workout detection, a swimming mode, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and more. There will be a SpO2 sensor onboard. The publication goes on to say that we can expect the watch to feature a “multitude of activity tracking modes.” The device will allow you to make or answer phone calls, display notifications, and control music on your smartphone.
Moreover, as per the latest OnePlus Watch leak, the wearable will double up as a remote control for OnePlus TVs. One of the most important features of OnePlus smartphones – Warp Charge – is also coming to the smartwatch. However, what sort of fast charging it will offer in terms of wattage is still unknown. It is said that Warp Charge will enable you to use the OnePlus Watch for a week with just 20 minutes of charge. Hence, we can assume it to not run WearOS.
As of now, there is no word on the processor. It could be made available in both standard and LTE variants.
The post OnePlus Watch leak tips a week’s battery in 20 minutes charge, 4GB storage and more appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus patent filing reveals smartwatch with a round dial and two strap designs
Ever since OnePlus chief Pete Lau officially confirmed that the company is working on a smartwatch set to arrive early in 2021, there have been a lot of speculations around it. Now, an official OnePlus patent filing may have given us our first glimpse of the upcoming wearable device.
First spotted by the folks over at TechnikNews, the patent filed before the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) contains schematics of a smartwatch. Starting with the design, the dial is around with a prominent ring around the periphery.
However, it is unclear if this ring works like a rotating bezel or as a capacitive bezel akin to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch Active 2 respectively. Late last year, tipster Max J. also claimed that the OnePlus Watch will have a round profile, which appears to be the case after seeing the patent diagrams.
Additionally, we see two strap designs, one of which mimics the sporty silicone bands we’ve seen on the Apple Watch. The other one appears to rock a more traditional look and might turn out to be a pricier version with leather strap options. It looks like OnePlus will launch its upcoming smartwatch in two distinct looks targeted at a different audience. On the inner side, we see an array of sensors for measuring heart rate and other vitals.
However, there is no credible information regarding the software part. OnePlus originally shelved its smartwatch project because it thought Google’s Android-based Wear OS was not up to the mark at that time. It would be interesting to see if the OnePlus Watch debuts with a heavily-skinned version of Wear OS, or if it runs custom software just like the affordable smartwatches from the likes of Honor and Xiaomi.
However, do keep in mind that this is just a patent schematic we’re talking about, which means OnePlus might change plans down the road and the actual smartwatch might end up looking much different. Unfortunately, details such as inner hardware and fitness capabilities are still a mystery, and so are a concrete launch date and an asking price of the OnePlus smartwatch
The post OnePlus patent filing reveals smartwatch with a round dial and two strap designs appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus patent filing reveals smartwatch with a round dial and two strap designs
Ever since OnePlus chief Pete Lau officially confirmed that the company is working on a smartwatch set to arrive early in 2021, there have been a lot of speculations around it. Now, an official OnePlus patent filing may have given us our first glimpse of the upcoming wearable device.
First spotted by the folks over at TechnikNews, the patent filed before the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) contains schematics of a smartwatch. Starting with the design, the dial is around with a prominent ring around the periphery.
However, it is unclear if this ring works like a rotating bezel or as a capacitive bezel akin to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch Active 2 respectively. Late last year, tipster Max J. also claimed that the OnePlus Watch will have a round profile, which appears to be the case after seeing the patent diagrams.
Additionally, we see two strap designs, one of which mimics the sporty silicone bands we’ve seen on the Apple Watch. The other one appears to rock a more traditional look and might turn out to be a pricier version with leather strap options. It looks like OnePlus will launch its upcoming smartwatch in two distinct looks targeted at a different audience. On the inner side, we see an array of sensors for measuring heart rate and other vitals.
However, there is no credible information regarding the software part. OnePlus originally shelved its smartwatch project because it thought Google’s Android-based Wear OS was not up to the mark at that time. It would be interesting to see if the OnePlus Watch debuts with a heavily-skinned version of Wear OS, or if it runs custom software just like the affordable smartwatches from the likes of Honor and Xiaomi.
However, do keep in mind that this is just a patent schematic we’re talking about, which means OnePlus might change plans down the road and the actual smartwatch might end up looking much different. Unfortunately, details such as inner hardware and fitness capabilities are still a mystery, and so are a concrete launch date and an asking price of the OnePlus smartwatch
The post OnePlus patent filing reveals smartwatch with a round dial and two strap designs appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus smartwatch gets certified ahead of its early 2021 launch
The saga of OnePlus’ smartwatch ambitions has been a bumpy one. After starting work on a smartwatch years ago and then prematurely sunsetting it, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau finally revealed last month the smartwatch project is back on track and that it will be launched early in 2021. But that’s just about it. Unlike OnePlus’ phones, the OnePlus Watch (tentative name) has been shrouded in mystery. However, it appears that the OnePlus Watch is inching closer to its launch.
The OnePlus smartwatch has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, suggesting that the device is not too far away from its official debut. First spotted by leakster and certification watcher Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings), two models of the OnePlus Watch have been listed on the database – W501GB and W301GB.
Yes! The OnePlus Watch is indeed coming very soon to India. Have spotted the 2 variants (W501GB,W301GB) on the Indian BIS certification website.
— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) January 21, 2021
Feel free to retweet.#OnePlus #OnePlusWatch pic.twitter.com/I0tQBmGBdO
However, it is unclear if these are two separate variants with a different case size, or if they are just Bluetooth and LTE capable versions of the OnePlus smartwatch. As we mentioned earlier, everything regarding the upcoming wearable is in the speculative stage as of now. The only information we have comes from leakster Max J. who claims that the OnePlus Watch has a round display.
On the software side, OnePlus’ upcoming smartwatch will likely run Wear OS, Google’s own Android-based operating system for smartwatches. “Wear OS definitely has room to improve. What we’re trying to do is work with Google to try to improve the connectivity between the Wear OS ecosystem, Android TV, and Android smartphones to create this ability for better device interoperability across the ecosystems. This has been something looked at very positively from Google’s side as well,” Lau mentioned in an interview last year.
It is worth noting that OnePlus apparently shelved plans of a smartwatch because the company thought Wear OS is not ready and can’t provide the fulfilling smartwatch experience that the company sought to achieve. However, it appears that the company is finally ready to give Wear OS a shot. Though, it is quite likely that the OnePlus smartwatch will run a heavily customized version of Wear OS, just like the OxygenOS skin running on its smartphones.
The post OnePlus smartwatch gets certified ahead of its early 2021 launch appeared first on Pocketnow.
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirms a smartwatch is coming early next year
Just last week, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau revealed in an interview that the company is working on a smartwatch. The revelation was the first solid piece of information regarding OnePlus’ smartwatch ambitions, but so far, details about its arrival have been under the wraps. Now, the OnePlus chief has confirmed that the company’s first smartwatch arrives early next year. A concrete date has not been revealed, but it appears that the OnePlus smartwatch might arrive alongside the OnePlus 9 family if the company’s smartphone release cycle is anything to go by.
The name is Watch... OnePlus Watch!
“Many of you said you wanted a watch, and as you might have heard over the weekend—we’re making one, to be released early next year. Wishes do come true,” Lau tweeted. Back in September, it was reported that the OnePlus Watch will feature circular dial, something that falls in line with a design schematic shared by OnePlus that was sketched back when the company first started working on its smartwatch project in 2015. It is worth noting here that a majority of Wear OS-based smartwatches out there rock a circular dial design with a key exception being the Oppo Watch.
Many of you said you wanted a watch, and as you might have heard over the weekend—we're making one, to be released early next year. Wishes do come true.
— Pete Lau (@PeteLau) December 22, 2020https://t.co/H1Fqv9srXj
Now, OnePlus originally pulled the plugs on its smartwatch project because the company thought Wear OS was not mature enough to offer a user experience that was up to OnePlus’ standards. “Wear OS definitely has room to improve. What we’re trying to do is work with Google to try to improve the connectivity between the Wear OS ecosystem, Android TV, and Android smartphones to create this ability for better device interoperability across the ecosystems,” Lau was quoted as saying by InputMag.
Circular dial and Wear OS
Over a month ago, a ‘wearable watch’ by OnePlus was certified by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). It now remains to be seen what direction OnePlus takes regarding its approach to smartwatch software – will it run Wear OS in its stock avatar, and if it will be skinned and offer the same level of deep customization as the Android-based Oxygen OS skin.
The post OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirms a smartwatch is coming early next year appeared first on Pocketnow.