The second smartwatch from OnePlus has been generating buzz in the media this week, thanks to its impressive claim of 100 hours of battery life. The device utilizes a innovative dual-chip system that seamlessly switches between the Snapdragon W5 and the more power-efficient BES 2700 MCU. If the device performs as promised, users should experience extended battery life without noticing any disruptions.
The OnePlus Watch 2 stands out for its three-year gap between releases. Following lukewarm reviews of the first-generation device, there were speculations that OnePlus may exit the smartwatch market altogether. However, customer feedback prompted the company to go back to the drawing board and innovate.
This morning, I had the opportunity to speak with Tuomas Lampén, OnePlus Europe’s head of strategy, about the upcoming release of the Watch 2. Despite the absence of an official booth at MWC this year, OnePlus opted for an off-site briefing before the show commenced. Lampén, wearing the Watch 2, shared insights about the device during our conversation.
The Watch 2 builds upon the learnings from its predecessor, incorporating features specific to the Watch 1. While the first device relied on a basic in-house operating system (RTOS) and lacked smart functionalities, the new Watch 2 addresses these shortcomings based on community feedback.
Community engagement has always been at the core of OnePlus’ approach. The new Watch 2 reflects the desires of the community, with Wear OS integration and improved battery performance being the top requests. The development of the second watch began shortly after the release of the first, signifying OnePlus’ commitment to the smartwatch category.
The hybrid chip/OS system of the Watch 2 required collaboration with Qualcomm and Google engineers over an extended period, leading to a delayed release. The resulting technology has potential patent implications that could shape the future of Wear OS devices.
Image Credits: OnePlus
The introduction of new technology in the Watch 2 has led to a higher price point of $299, positioning it as a flagship device within the market. This price reflects the enhanced functionality and places it in competition with leading brands like Samsung and Apple. The potential for future iterations of the device remains a possibility, though specifics were not discussed by the executive.
