OxygenOS, ColorOS to merge in 2022
The inevitable has happened. After OnePlus announced its deeper integration within Oppo earlier this year, there were speculations of OxygenOS and ColorOS (the custom Android skins of both brands) being united in the future.
Now, OnePlus co-founder Pepe Lau has confirmed the same through a post. Interestingly, this news comes only a few days after Oppo’s latest ColorOS 12 has gone official.
What are OnePlus and Oppo up to?
The two operating systems’ code bases will be combined to form a single operating system. The new ‘unified’ OS will be tailored for OnePlus devices in order to retain the brand’s reputation for clean and lightweight software, which is essential to fans.
Gary Chen, the CEO of OxygenOS, has been assigned to lead the unified operating system. OnePlus bootloaders will also stay unlocked for those interested in trying out custom firmware.
Also read: Oppo ColorOS 12 features officially detailed
The majority of the modifications appear to be internal. With OxygenOS 12 and ColorOS 12, work on the unification has already begun. According to Lau, the benefits of integrating the development teams have already been realised, as the combined effort has resulted in quicker and better software updates.
New unified OS will be available on OnePlus smartphones starting with the 2022 flagship series, the OnePlus 10. Select devices from the current lineup will receive the new OS as part of the next major Android upgrade next year; the specific models and when they will be available will be disclosed at a later date.
The OnePlus 2.0 strategy
The new OS is part of what Lau refers to as “OnePlus 2.0,” which also includes a new product strategy. The flagships of the brand will remain available worldwide, and this will not alter. The more inexpensive OnePlus devices, like the Nord N series, will become more localised.
OnePlus will keep working to improve its cameras. The focus is on maintaining a seamless user experience while working with partner Hasselblad to enhance colour science and create new sensors, lenses, and other technologies to increase camera performance.
Since they target distinct consumers in various markets, OnePlus and Oppo integrated their R&D divisions in January and the promise was that OxygenOS and ColorOS would remain separate. However. it now remains to be seen what this new unified OS has in store for us.
;){kind=link}