OnePlus is working on a TV, and not foldable phones
Whether you are ready or not, foldable phones are here. But for OnePlus, the new device format is not a viable option. Speaking to students of the European Institute of Design (IED) at Milan, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has revealed the company's future plans, highlighting that it is working on a smart TV and connected car technology, but not foldable phones. Here's more.
Foldable phones will remain niche devices in the future: Lau
Speaking on foldable phones, Lau said that OnePlus has been working on the new device format but "they are niche devices and these will remain so in near future." He noted that "not only because the costs are too high, but also because they (foldable phones) basically don't do anything different than a traditional smartphone, they don't offer features that can make a difference."
Currently, OnePlus is working to launch a Smart TV
Speaking of his near term plans, Lau said that OnePlus would soon launch a television, or as he calls it, a "smart display" He added that it'll be a screen that is always ready and can seamlessly communicate with the phone rather than being operated by a remote controller. The company also plans to use Artificial Intelligence to make the TV experience more intuitive.
In future, OnePlus plans venturing into automotive and business sector
Talking of the long term plans, Lau said that he plans to make the platform for cars ready, and not build a car as "it is a complex world." Highlighting how 5G will augment IoT connectivity, he plans to build a virtual assistant-powered platform that would enhance our experience. Similarly, it plans to build cloud-connected office products combined with advancements in 5G and AI.
Meanwhile, OnePlus will launch two new phones in May
As per reports, OnePlus is working to launch OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro sometime in May. OnePlus 7 will arrive as a successor to the OnePlus 6T with a new all-screen design, pop-up selfie camera, latest flagship grade internals and triple rear cameras. The Pro model, likely to sport a similar design, will be a more spruced up model with 5G connectivity.
