AMA session suggested OnePlus 6T features such as Gestures 2.0 could soon debut on older OnePlus models
While OnePlus 6T has many upgrades over the OnePlus 6, it still lacks a certain IP rating that has been anticipated from OnePlus for a long time to assure users about delivering water and dust resistance. OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session affirmed that despite the lack of any IP ratings, the OnePlus 6T would survive an accidental drop in a puddle and resist some splashes of water in an everyday scenario, though it isn't made for diving. OnePlus 6T Product Manager Louis S in the same session highlighted that receiving an IP certification increases the cost the cost of the device by $30 (roughly Rs. 2,200) that isn't of company's aim at the present stage.
"Is it worth it to increase the cost of the device by $30 to serve a small selection of users, considering our water resistance precautions? We think not," the executive said.
Alongside publicly speaking on the lack of an IP rating, the AMA session held via the official OnePlus Forums was used by the OnePlus team to answer several user queries.
While answering the query on the plans for bringing an Always-on Display feature to the OnePlus 6T, OnePlus Beta Program and Dev Relations at OnePlus Community Manu J said that while Always-on Display was a great feature, the company was still considering the functional value versus power consumption of the feature before implementing it. He also mentioned that there might be a "slight offset" in pushing software updates on the T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 6T due to some additional certification requirements. On chances bring different screen unlock animations at night, he revealed that this is something already in consideration.
The OxygenOS representative in the AMA session also divulged the company's plans to bring Gestures 2.0 and the smart boost to OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T. "Camera features are dependent on hardware and might not be available on older models, but software improvements such as Gestures 2.0 and smart boost will be available on all 5 and 5T," he said while answering the question on the development of major OnePlus 6T features for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T.
When asked about the absence of the headphones from the OnePlus 6T retail box, Pei said that OnePlus didn't want to increase the price of the smartphone for "something people already own." "And most likely, they already own a pair of earphones that are better than what's usually included in the box," he added.
Box X from the OnePlus Accessories side revealed that there are plans to bring a 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the OnePlus 6T in the near future. He also said that the company would bring an EQ feature to the Bullets Wireless headphones through a software update. The feature will not be limited to the latest flagship but will be compatible with all OnePlus phones that run Android 9 Pie, he stated.
In the AMA session, Pei refuted the plans of launching a device smaller than the OnePlus 6T. "Most people are quite happy with the current size, and we're not thinking of changing this right now," he said. The co-founder also reiterated why there isn't any LED notification light. "We wanted to maximise the amount of screen real estate while minimising bezels from all sides," he highlighted. OnePlus notably clarified the lack of the LED notification light at the time of launching the OnePlus 6T late last month.
OnePlus recently brought OxygenOS 9.0.2 for the OnePlus 6 that brought the Nightscape mode of the OnePlus 6T. When asked about whether the new feature would also debut on previous OnePlus models including last year's OnePlus 5T, Camera Product Manager Jimmy Z said the Nightscape mode would only work on the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T due to hardware difference. He also elaborated the mode by touting it as the "most complex technology" developed by the company. "It's a combination of several technologies and algorithms," he said.
The OnePlus team also mentioned the trade-in programme that OnePlus offers natively - aside from the trade-in programme provided by T-Mobile in the US. Pei said that OnePlus' trade-in programme covers as older device as the OnePlus One.
Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.