OnePlus Ditches Alert Slider for AI-Powered ‘Plus Key’, Unveils New AI Features
OnePlus is shaking things up with its latest mobile strategy, introducing a new AI-driven approach that impacts both hardware and software. The company is rolling out a suite of AI tools and a new physical button, the Plus Key, aimed at enhancing user experience. However, not all users will get to experience these upgrades, as the latest device and some AI functionalities are limited to specific markets.
Farewell Alert Slider, Hello Plus Key
OnePlus is replacing its signature Alert Slider with the Plus Key, a customizable button designed to launch the camera, initiate translations, or start recordings. More significantly, the Plus Key activates the new AI Plus Mind feature. This feature allows users to save important information displayed on the screen to a dedicated Mind Space for later access. Users can also activate AI Plus Mind by swiping up on the screen with three fingers.
AI Powerhouse: Plus Mind and More
Plus Mind saves schedules, event details, reservations, and listings, extracting data from both images and texts. The information is automatically categorized, and users can retrieve it later using natural language queries. The Plus Key and AI Plus Mind will first debut on the OnePlus 13s in Asia, with AI Plus Mind rolling out to the rest of the OnePlus 13 series via a future software update.
Beyond Plus Mind, OnePlus is developing other AI tools. These include AI VoiceScribe, which can record, summarize, and translate calls and meetings within messaging and meeting apps, and an AI translation app that consolidates text, live voice, camera, and screen translation capabilities. An AI image-reframing tool and AI Best Face 2.0, capable of correcting facial expressions in photos, are also in development.
OnePlus 13s: Small but Exclusive
The OnePlus 13s, a new compact phone, boasts a 6.3-inch display and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Other features include a 5,850 mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging, a 50MP main camera, and Aqua Touch Glove Mode. However, the OnePlus 13s will not be available in the US or Europe, remaining exclusive to India.
Several AI features, including AI VoiceScribe and AI Call Assist, which provides automatic summaries and real-time translation during calls, are also initially launching exclusively in India. This limited availability raises questions about OnePlus's global strategy and its approach to different markets.
Strategic Move or Missed Opportunity?
While OnePlus might be aiming to focus on the rapidly growing Indian market, test new features in a less regulated environment, and avoid legal complexities in the US and Europe, restricting access to the OnePlus 13s and its AI capabilities could alienate loyal customers in major Western markets. The device launches in India on June 5.
What do you think about OnePlus's decision to limit the availability of the OnePlus 13s and its new AI features? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
