OnePlus joins Google and Samsung to offer generative AI features in smartphones

12:03 pm (IST): OnePlus is rolling out “AI Eraser” this month, a new photo editing tool that uses AI to remove unwanted objects from pictures (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser). This tool intelligently removes objects from your photos, then seamlessly fills in the gaps for a natural-looking result. Available across all regions, you’ll find AI Eraser within the familiar OnePlus Photos app on the OnePlus 12, 12R, Open, 11, and Nord CE 4.

Original article (from February 5, 2024) follows:

OnePlus has joined tech giants Google and Samsung to introduce advanced generative AI features in their smartphones. The recent ColorOS update changelog for the OnePlus 12 and the previous OnePlus 11 reveals the inclusion of enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities, mirroring similar moves by Google and Samsung with their latest Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 smartphones.

The discovery was initially made by a Reddit user who noticed the February ColorOS update on their Chinese variant of the OnePlus 11. Initially thought to be exclusive to the OnePlus 11, the update has now been confirmed to be available for the latest OnePlus 12 as well, as indicated by a thread in OnePlus’ community forum in China. This marks a significant shift for OnePlus as AI wasn’t a major focus during the initial launch of the OnePlus 12 series, which is contrary to the approaches taken by Google and Samsung.

Regardless of the approach, OnePlus is now diving headfirst into the AI arena by offering features that directly compete with its rivals. One such feature is the AI Call Summarizer, which leverages AI to listen to your phone calls and provide concise summaries for later reference. This can be immensely helpful for capturing crucial information like names, addresses, or action items discussed during a call, as outlined in the changelog below.

Taking inspiration from popular tools like Google Pixel 8’s Magic Eraser, OnePlus now has its own version that it calls AIGC Remover This AI-powered feature allows users to eliminate unwanted objects or people from their photos to their liking. I wish they picked a better name, but I don’t make the rules. Content consumption is also getting a boost with the new article summarizer that lets users quickly grasp the essence of web articles with the help of AI. Additionally, Breeno Touch has been updated to intelligently scan your screen and suggest relevant services based on the displayed content.

While there’s no word on if these AI features will come to OxygenOS, history is in favor of global OnePlus users. If anything, OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 users across the globe can expect these AI features to arrive on their devices sooner or later. Still, it’s worth noting that OnePlus is already doing a better job than Google and Samsung when it comes to rolling out the latest AI features to older models.

By embracing generative AI features, OnePlus is making a strategic move to stay competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape. This not only aligns them with industry leaders like Google and Samsung but also caters to the growing demand for intelligent and personalized mobile experiences.