OnePlus has focused its attention exclusively on the smartphone segment, but that's all set to change soon. OnePlus founder and CEO Pete Lau has announced that the company will make its foray into the TV segment next year with the launch of the OnePlus TV.
Calling it the first step in "building a connected human experience," Lau mentioned that the TV will feature the same premium design that its phones are known for, with a focus on image quality and audio experience:
For most of us, there are four major environments we experience each day: the home, the workplace, the commute, and being on-the-move. The home - perhaps the most important environment experience - is just starting to enjoy the benefits of intelligent connectivity.
We want to bring the home environment to the next level of intelligent connectivity. To do this, we are building a new product of OnePlus' premium flagship design, image quality and audio experience to more seamlessly connect the home.
For now, we don't have a lot of details on the specs that the OnePlus TV will offer, but it's safe to assume that it will have 4K with HDR. Speaking to Business Insider , Lau stated that the OnePlus TV will be unveiled sometime next year.
TVs have a longer lifespan than phones, and as such OnePlus will offer software updates for five years following the launch of the TV. That's a huge deal, and one that could differentiate the OnePlus TV in this category:
At present, we feel the current market of TVs is still feeling quite traditional in their functionality and experience. And they haven't really well-integrated the internet into the experience, and making the experience match with what would be expected in today's connected society.
The OnePlus TV will also feature an AI assistant, but at this point it's unclear whether we'll see Google Assistant or Alexa, or even an in-house solution. The company is also looking at ways to seamlessly connect the TV with your phone, which would allow it to show reminders and surface traffic information for your daily commute.
This is a huge step in the OnePlus journey, but like each step along the way, one that we have taken with intense consideration and deliberation. There is great challenge in pushing new boundaries in technology and innovation, but even greater fulfillment in meeting people around the world impacted by our products every day. Here's to taking the next step together.
