Both Google and Apple are betting big on the future of augmented reality. Apple has the ARKit platform that allows developers to build augmented reality experiences for iPhones and iPads. The Google ARCore platform does the same thing, but it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The search engine giant has added a bunch of new phones to the list of ARCore supported devices, and it includes the new OnePlus 7 series.
Augmented reality superimposes computer-generated information on the real world scenes. All three of the latest OnePlus devices – the OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G – will support Google ARCore. These are not the first OnePlus handsets to support the platform. All OnePlus phones starting from OnePlus 3T support ARCore, meaning there are eight compatible OnePlus phones.
The new OnePlus devices are powerful enough to handle the ARCore apps, including AR games. They run the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with Adreno 640 GPU. They offer 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB of RAM depending on the version you choose to buy. The phones run the Android 9 Pie out of the box, and will receive the Android Q later this year.
Other devices that Google has added to its ARCore support list in recent weeks include:
- Huawei P30
- Huawei P30 Pro
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- LG G8 ThinQ
- LG V50 ThinQ
- iPhone XR
- iPad Air 3rd generation
- iPad Mini 5th generation
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation
- 11-inch iPad Pro
Apple’s iPhone XS and XS Max were added to the support list a long time ago. It would be interesting to see how the 90Hz refresh rate of OnePlus 7 Pro would enhance the augmented reality experience. Currently, there isn’t enough content out there to take advantage of the 90Hz refresh rate.
What does it mean?
The Google ARCore support means the search engine giant has evaluated a device and found it to be good enough for augmented reality. The company evaluates each device by checking its camera, motion sensors, and the design architecture to ensure that users have a good experience with AR apps. The device also needs to have a powerful enough processor to deliver a smooth performance.
Google had announced the ARCore platform in 2017 to bring augmented reality to Android devices. Now it supports more than a hundred smartphones and tablets. Google continues to update the ARCore frequently to bring new AR features to users. Recently, it added features like Scene Viewer and Augmented Face API. You can download the ARCore app from the Play Store to try it out.
OnePlus rolls out software updates for its new phones
Earlier this week, OnePlus rolled out software updates to the OnePlus 7 series. The OnePlus 7 Pro 5G has started receiving the OxygenOS 9.5.4 update with tons of bug fixes and performance improvements. If you have the 5G phone, you’ll see better touch sensitivity on the screen, optimized hardware DC dimming, Double Tap to Wake, and Ambient Display.
The OxygenOS 9.5.4 update also fixes a bug with the pop-up selfie camera that opened the camera for an incoming video call even when the screen was turned off or locked. OnePlus has also fixed an issue that kept the app icons hidden after a successful unlock.
On the other hand, the standard OnePlus 7 Pro has started receiving the OxygenOS 9.5.8 update. The update brings May 2019 security patches, improved audio quality for phone calls, better touch sensitivity, and better compatibility with USB-C headphones.
OnePlus 7 Pro selling more than 10x faster than Galaxy S10 Plus
A new report claims that the OnePlus 7 Pro is selling about ten times faster than Samsung’s Galaxy S10 Plus in China, the world’s largest smartphone market. Sales data from the Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com suggests the OnePlus 7 Pro has sold 250,372 units compared to just 23,266 units for the Galaxy S10 Plus.
In https://t.co/1ErT3bc3ke, One of the largest shopping sites in China, we can see that the sales of OnePlus 7 Pro are more than ten times that of the Galaxy S10+. The 90Hz 2K AMOLED screen has become the biggest weapon to kill Samsung in China. pic.twitter.com/mEF2ZRI2Br
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) June 17, 2019
The relatively lower price tag and high-end specs have helped boost the OnePlus 7 Pro. It costs CNY 2,490 ($360) less than the Galaxy S10 Plus. Demand for the OnePlus 7 series has been so strong in China since launch that the company had to adjust the supply in other markets to meet the local demand.
