OnePlus’ next device won’t be a phone, tablet or smartwatch

Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus is reportedly planning to enter a new product segment next month. According to reports, OnePlus founder Carl Pei, who was at MWC, told reporters that the company will launch a new product next month. Pei also said that the product won’t be a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.

Further, Pei also said that OnePlus doesn’t want to enter the tablets market, since no one in the industry is making profits from tablets. OnePlus had recently launched a power bank to celebrate its one-year anniversary. The company also sells accessories for its OnePlus One smartphone.

Speaking of which, the OnePlus One has been one of the most talked about products of 2014. In fact, even now, the product continues to be a top seller, thanks to its disruptive pricing. OnePlus recently introduced the 16GB Silk White version of the One in India. The device, like its 64GB counterpart, sells exclusively on Amazon through OnePlus’ invite only model.

Whatever the new product may be, it is safe to guess that it will have a lower price tag than its competitors. OnePlus has maintained that track record with all of its products, including the One smartphone, the next version of which is expected sometime this year. Pei had earlier said that the next version of the OnePlus One, would surprise people. Not much is known about the device at this point though.

We think that Pei’s revelation means we may see a OnePlus Bluetooth speaker, television or an over-the-ear headset next month. We do not know the exact release date but hopefully OnePlus will make it clear soon.

TD

UN Says SL Inquiry Into War Crimes Must Satisfy Tamils

COLOMBO: The visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffery Feltman, has said that any Sri Lankan domestic inquiry into allegations of human rights violations and war crimes during the last phase of the 2006-2009 Eelam War IV should satisfy the minority Tamils.

Speaking to the media here on Tuesday at the conclusion of his four day visit to Lanka, Feltman said that the mechanism that is to be put in place by the Lankan government will have to measure up to the expectations of the Tamil community which was the most affected by the war.

He drew the attention of the Lankan government to the “wide trust deficit” that exists between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, and has said that the domestic inquiry must satisfy the Tamils.

“Without question, there is still a wide trust deficit between communities in Sri Lanka, especially between the Tamil and the Sinhalese. We have encouraged the national leaders and political stake holders to work on all of these issues in the spirit of inclusion and consultation,” Feltman said.

He urged the Lankan government to immediately address pressing issues relating to land, detentions, disappearances, and the “military posture” in civilian areas, by which he meant the overwhelming military presence and involvement in the Tamil-majority Northern Province.

Feltman underscored expectations by the UN and the international community that the government will, as it has promised, develop in the coming months, a strong framework for accountability that meets international standards and norms, and which also satisfies Sri Lankans.

Feltman was hopeful that the government will address these issues. He recalled that Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera had told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, that the new government will promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights.

As requested by Sri Lanka, the UN is committed to assisting efforts to usher in accountability and reconciliation through the Peace building Fund and other appropriate facilities, Feltman said.

TNIE