OnePlus to merge its mobile OS with OPPO's

Photo by Denis Cherkashin on Unsplash

A couple of weeks after OnePlus announced it will become OPPO's sub-brand, we learn that the brand's OxygenOS will be integrated with OPPO's ColorOS. According to OnePlus, they're "working on integrating the codebase of OxygenOS and ColorOS. The company says the change might not even be noticeable as they're happening behind the scenes. But the two brands decided it is best for them to "leverage shared resources" and standardize the software experience across their lineup.

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OnePlus says OxygenOS will continue to run on its devices even with OPPO merger

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Even as OnePlus and OPPO merge their internal teams, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau assures its users that its OxygenOS platform will continue to be available on its global devices. But while that may be the case now, we aren't entirely sure that it won't change in the future. The Android 12 Beta on the OnePlus 9 shows ColorOS at its core, which Max Weinbach has pointed out in a tweet. In China, OnePlus devices already ship with OPPO's ColorOS since last year. 

In case you didn't know, OPPO and OnePlus (along with brands like Vivo and Realme) are all brands under the Chinese multinational conglomerate BBK Electronics. Since last year, Lau has taken on a more significant role in overseeing parts of both OnePlus and OPPO. Now, he's merging more teams in both companies internally with a promise of improved efficiency and faster software updates for their users. It would make sense to join operating systems in the future eventually. For now, we have to wait and see what Lau and his team decide to do.

Source: 9to5Google

OPPO's new patent experiments with removable camera modules

Phone makers have been looking for ways to get rid of the selfie camera on phones. Some have resorted to hiding them under the display, flipping up the rear camera, or using pop-up cameras. OPPO is one of those manufacturers that has been doing its fair share of experimentation. Its latest exploration revolves around removable camera modules. A new patent from the company describes how you can pull out the module from the back and point it at your subject if you want to take a selfie or shoot more of a scene. 

The design shown in the patent has two cameras and options for USB-C, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A lithium-ion battery will power the module while you line up your shot. What isn't know is if you can swap out camera modules, which could mean you might be able to upgrade a phone's camera without replacing the entire handset. Of course, this design is still just a patent. It isn't sure if OPPO plans to build a phone featuring this design. But, at least, we know the company is thinking about it.

Source: Engadget

OPPO reveals rollable handset and AR glasses concepts

At this year's OPPO Inno Day, the Chinese company unveiled two new concepts it is working on. One is a smartphone with a rolling screen, and another is a set of augmented reality glasses. The OPPO X 2021 is the company's newest concept phone, which it claims is the result of its research and development on flexible displays. It comes with a 6.7-inch screen size as a smartphone, but it can expand to a more square, tablet-like 7.4-inch panel.

OPPO claims it developed its own power train, structural plate, and screen laminate to ensure the X 2021 is durable. 

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