OnePlus, a renowned player in the smartphone industry, has taken a step into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing generative AI features to its OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 models in China. While the company had initially refrained from such offerings, it has now embraced AI-driven capabilities through a ColorOS update.
AI features unveiled
With the latest ColorOS update, OnePlus has integrated three generative AI features into its smartphones. These features aim to enhance user experience and productivity:
- AI Summarizer: OnePlus users can now benefit from an AI-powered summarization tool for phone calls. This feature automatically generates summaries by extracting relevant data such as locations, timestamps, action items, and other key information from phone conversations. This tool is designed to help users quickly review and recall important details from their calls.
- AIGC Remover: The update also includes an image editing tool known as AIGC Remover. This tool allows users to remove objects and people from their photos, providing greater control over their images. While similar to features found in other flagship phones like the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 series, OnePlus focuses solely on photo editing capabilities without extending to video editing.
- Article Summaries: OnePlus users can now create article summaries with a single tap, thanks to the new generative AI feature. By extracting key information from articles, this tool simplifies content consumption, making it easier for users to grasp the essence of lengthy texts.
These AI features, although not as advanced as those offered by competitors like Google and Samsung, represent a positive step for OnePlus users who have been anticipating AI-driven functionalities on their devices.
Additional enhancements
- Fingerprint Scanner Access: Users can now access the fingerprint scanner without waking the phone, offering a more convenient and seamless unlocking experience.
- Device Motion & Orientation Permission: A new permission setting, known as “Device motion & orientation,” has been introduced in the Settings menu. This feature restricts other apps from accessing the phone’s sensors for actions, gestures, and display orientation, enhancing user privacy and security.
Global expansion potential
While these generative AI capabilities have been rolled out in China, it remains uncertain whether OnePlus intends to introduce them to the global versions of its flagship smartphones, which run on OxygenOS rather than ColorOS. However, since both operating systems share substantial similarities, there is potential for these AI features to make their way to OnePlus devices worldwide, offering a consistent user experience.
OnePlus’ decision to integrate AI-based software features into its OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 devices marks a strategic shift for the company. Initially, the absence of AI-centric offerings in the OnePlus 12 raised questions about the company’s direction. However, it is now evident that OnePlus had always aspired to incorporate AI features into its flagship models, but constraints related to the early December release of the OnePlus 12 in China may have delayed this implementation.
Currently, the OnePlus 12 is in the pre-order stage in the United States, with some customers receiving the device earlier than expected. This development suggests that OnePlus is committed to delivering innovative features and a competitive user experience to its global customer base.
OnePlus has taken a significant step forward by introducing generative AI features to its OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 smartphones in China. With capabilities such as AI summarization for phone calls, image editing, and article summaries, OnePlus aims to enhance user productivity and convenience. These AI features, coupled with additional enhancements like improved fingerprint scanner access and enhanced device permissions, represent a strategic move by OnePlus to provide a more comprehensive and competitive smartphone experience.
While the availability of these AI features on global versions of OnePlus devices remains uncertain, the similarities between ColorOS and OxygenOS raise the possibility of a wider rollout in the future. OnePlus’ commitment to innovation and user satisfaction is evident, as seen in its efforts to bring AI-driven capabilities to its flagship smartphones. As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, OnePlus is positioning itself to remain a formidable player in the market.
