If the mountain does not go to Muhammad, Muhammad goes to the mountain. One of the reasons why I am an Apple user is due to its robust ecosystem. While I do own a second Android phone, two standout features tether me to Apple: the Apple Watch, which feels irreplaceable, and AirDrop. However, the landscape is shifting as Android steadily encroaches on this territory, and OPPO’s O+Connect has been a revelation.
The Jealousy of Ecosystems
If Apple is envious of anything, it’s the integrity of its ecosystem. Its devices communicate seamlessly with each other, but collaboration with Android and Windows often results in feature limitations or outright failures. Recently, Chinese brands, especially Xiaomi and OPPO, are leading the charge to dismantle these barriers, creating Android devices with ‘native’ support for Apple devices.
The Rise of O+Connect
OPPO has demonstrated its capability to make Apple’s AirPods function flawlessly with Android devices and has plans to ensure compatibility with the Apple Watch. Xiaomi is also in the race with its HyperOS 3, which facilitates the use of iPad and Mac as floating windows. Though the theories were intriguing, seeing them in action has been nothing short of impressive.
OPPO Bypassing AirDrop
OPPO has been advocating for interconnectivity between devices regardless of brand and operating system for years. In 2022, they launched Connect to facilitate easy file transfer to Windows devices, but the recent introduction of O+ Connect takes this a step further. This application serves as a bridge between OPPO devices and Macs or iOS devices, emulating the operation of AirDrop.
How O+Connect Works
Implementation of O+Connect has been rolled out across OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme phones in successive updates. Here’s how it operates:
- Step 1: Download O+ Connect on your iPhone/iPad from the App Store.
- Step 2: On your OPPO, OnePlus, or Realme device, tap the “Share” option and select the “iPhone or PC” icon, which uniquely features an iPhone with its Dynamic Island.
- Step 3: The Android device creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, which the iPhone detects through the O+ Connect app.
- Step 4: Send your files, effortlessly transferring them over the local connection.
- Step 5: Once the transfer concludes quickly, the hotspot deactivates automatically.
My Experience with OPPO
Recently, I had the opportunity to use two devices from the OPPO group: the Realme GT8 Pro and the OPPO Find X9 Pro. I extensively utilized O+ Connect to transfer photos from my iPhone, especially for Instagram uploads, as well as my iMac. The experience was nothing short of stellar.
While I frequently rely on AirDrop, I often face issues like failed transfers or setup difficulties that require turning AirDrop off and on again. In contrast, O+ Connect has proven to be relentless in its performance. I experienced no errors and witnessed good transfer speeds, even with large photos and videos. Although I believe it might not match AirDrop’s speed precisely, it has certainly etched its place as a formidable competitor.
The Future of Ecosystems
As I reflect on my loyalty to Apple, it’s evident that its ecosystem is a significant factor that keeps me tethered. However, if I can eventually use my Apple Watch Series 10 with an Android phone boasting the photographic prowess of the Xiaomi 17 Pro, Vivo X300 Pro, or indeed the OPPO Find X9 Pro, I wouldn’t hesitate to make Android my primary operating system once again.
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