The new OnePlus Watch 2 is set to revolutionize the smartwatch industry with its innovative “Wear OS hybrid interface” developed in collaboration with Google. This new interface is designed to address the common issue of short battery life in smartwatches, offering users the best of both worlds in terms of functionality and battery longevity.
The key to the OnePlus Watch 2’s impressive battery life lies in its dual CPU and OS setup. The smartwatch is equipped with two sets of CPUs and OSes, with one set optimized for low-power usage and always-on display, while the second set is designed for screen-on touch usage. This innovative approach allows the watch to achieve a market-leading battery life of up to 100 hours in the OS-switching “smart mode,” making it a standout in the smartwatch market.
The implementation of a real-time operating system (RTOS) when in “efficiency” mode further enhances the watch’s power efficiency, ensuring that users can enjoy extended battery life without compromising on functionality. The Snapdragon W5 SoC runs Wear OS, while the RTOS runs on a BES 2700 microcontroller unit (MCU) chipset, enabling seamless switching between the two operating systems based on usage.
The “Hybrid OS interface” seamlessly integrates the capabilities of both Wear OS and the RTOS, allowing users to access notifications, quick settings, and other essential features without draining the battery. Bridged notifications from the user’s smartphone are delivered to the watch without waking up the high-performance AP, enabling users to read and dismiss notifications while the watch is still powered by the MCU.
The low-power capabilities of the RTOS allow for always-on screen functionality, provided that users utilize first-party watch faces. Additionally, users can access features such as the quick settings panel, tile browsing, workout tracking, and health monitoring without waking up Wear OS, further optimizing power usage and extending battery life.
The hardware specifications of the OnePlus Watch 2 are equally impressive, featuring a 2.5D sapphire crystal cover, stainless steel body, and IP68 dust and water resistance. The watch is equipped with a 1.43-inch 466×466 OLED display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 500 mAh battery with 7.5 W quick charging. While the watch supports NFC and Google Wallet payments, it does not have cellular connectivity.
Despite its advanced features and capabilities, the OnePlus Watch 2 maintains a sleek and stylish design, with a rubber watch band that is removable with pins. The watch measures 47.0×46.6×12.1 mm, making it a comfortable and wearable accessory for daily use.
The OnePlus Watch 2 is set to launch in the US and Canada on March 4, offering consumers a high-performance smartwatch with exceptional battery life at a competitive price point of $299.99. With its innovative hybrid interface, advanced hardware, and stylish design, the OnePlus Watch 2 is poised to make a significant impact in the smartwatch market.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 2’s “Wear OS hybrid interface” represents a significant advancement in smartwatch technology, addressing the common issue of short battery life while delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience. By leveraging the power of dual CPUs and OSes, OnePlus and Google have redefined the possibilities of smartwatch functionality, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency in the industry.
