The North America and Europe division of OnePlus has officially concluded.

      Current owners will continue to receive software updates and warranty assistance, with the possibility of transitioning from OxygenOS to ColorOS in the future.

      After months of outright denial, OnePlus has now confirmed its withdrawal from North America and Europe. In a post on the community forum, the company described this decision as a "proactive global strategy adjustment," but for customers in these regions, the result is clear: there will be one less brand to consider for your next smartphone purchase.

      Support and optional software transition for current owners

      For those who already possess a OnePlus device, the details are more reassuring than the initial announcement suggests. OnePlus states that current models will continue to receive regular software updates and security patches, and warranty and customer support will remain unchanged.

      A significant change is on the way, as eligible devices will transition to Oppo’s ColorOS once ColorOS 17 is officially released. However, OnePlus stated that this transition is voluntary, meaning users can choose to remain on OxygenOS if they prefer not to switch.

      Closure of regional forums

      OnePlus also announced that its regional community forums for the US and Europe will permanently close on August 16, resulting in the loss of years of bug reports, photography discussions, and product conversations. If any posts hold sentimental value, OnePlus advises users to back them up manually before the deadline.

      The company intends to establish a global Discord server to facilitate continued discussions, clarifying that this platform "is meant as a community gathering space and should not be viewed as an official OnePlus support channel." For customer inquiries, users will need to visit service.oneplus.com.

      Operations in India to continue as normal

      Notably, OnePlus's announcement varied by region. In India, the regional VP released a separate statement strongly refuting concerns about a shutdown. Nevertheless, the voluntary option to switch to ColorOS for eligible devices will still be in effect.

      Taking both statements into account clarifies OnePlus’s strategy. The company is not completely shutting down; rather, it is scaling back in financially challenging markets while focusing on areas where it is performing better.

      Your OnePlus phone is transitioning to ColorOS, whether you wish for it or not

      OnePlus has confirmed the retirement of OxygenOS, with eligible devices having the option to upgrade to ColorOS 17 once it is available.

      OxygenOS, the Android interface that has characterized the OnePlus brand for over a decade, is being replaced by ColorOS. This confirmation was part of the community forum post regarding OnePlus's exit from North America and Europe.

      Globally, ColorOS is set to take the place of OxygenOS.

      Google’s AI in Search can now integrate with Google Calendar

      Google is making strides to transform Search from merely a search engine into a personal assistant. The company has announced that Personal Intelligence in AI Mode can now connect directly to Google Calendar, enabling it to not only access your schedule but also to create calendar events for you.

      Previously, Personal Intelligence mainly sourced information from applications like Gmail and Google Photos for more relevant responses. The integration with Calendar marks a significant shift, as it becomes the first connected Google application that can actively perform tasks rather than just provide context. This feature is currently rolling out to users in the United States, with plans for a broader international rollout later.

      Belkin introduces a power bank that lights your path

      Power banks fulfill a simple yet useful role by charging devices on-the-go. Occasionally, a model comes along that offers additional features—such as built-in cables or wireless charging capabilities. Some are even capable of powering larger gadgets like laptops.

      However, Belkin’s latest offering stands out. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Motion Sensing Light has been launched in China for 329 yuan (approximately $49). Alongside its 10,000mAh battery and 45W USB-C charging capability, it features a pop-up LED lamp that illuminates a hotel room, bedside table, or dark corridor when it detects movement.