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Grok AI Review: Zomato & Blinkit widgets on OnePlus Shelf.

  • Writer: Kireeti Varma
    Kireeti Varma
  • Mar 16
  • 5 min read

Updated: Mar 18

Me: "Give me a detailed analysis of how OnePlus phone users received the feature of Zomato & Blinkit cards on Shelf in the latest OxygenOS 15"


Grok: ...


OxygenOS 15, the latest iteration of OnePlus’s custom Android skin based on Android 15, introduced several user-centric enhancements, including the integration of Zomato and Blinkit cards into the Shelf feature. This addition, tailored specifically for Indian users, reflects OnePlus’s focus on regional customization and improving daily convenience. Below is a detailed analysis of how OnePlus phone users have received this feature, exploring its implementation, usability, rollout, and user reception based on available information and logical extrapolation.


Implementation of Zomato and Blinkit Cards on Shelf

The Shelf, a long-standing feature in OxygenOS accessible via a swipe-down gesture from the home screen (once enabled), serves as a hub for widgets, quick-access tools, and personalized information. With OxygenOS 15, OnePlus expanded its functionality by integrating third-party app cards for Zomato (a food delivery service) and Blinkit (a quick-commerce grocery and essentials delivery platform), both highly popular in India. This move was announced by OnePlus Vice President Ramagopala Reddy on the OnePlus India Community Forum, underscoring its exclusivity to the Indian market.


  • Widget Design and Options: The Zomato and Blinkit cards are available in two formats: a compact 2×2 size and a larger, stacked widget that combines both services, allowing users to swipe between them. The larger format leverages Zomato’s parent company relationship with Blinkit, presenting a cohesive experience. These cards display dynamic content, such as product recommendations or order shortcuts, even without the respective apps installed, using placeholder data based on the user’s location.

  • Enablement Process: To use these widgets, users must ensure their device runs OxygenOS 15 or later. From the home screen, swiping down accesses Shelf (if enabled via Settings > Homescreen & Lock Screen > Swipe Down > Shelf). Users can then tap the “Plus” button in Shelf, search for Zomato or Blinkit, and add the widgets. The process is straightforward, aligning with OxygenOS’s emphasis on intuitive design.


Rollout and Accessibility

The rollout of the Zomato and Blinkit Shelf cards has been phased, a common strategy for OxygenOS updates to ensure stability and gather feedback. Testing on devices like the OnePlus 13R (which shipped with OxygenOS 15 pre-installed) confirmed the feature’s availability, while older models like the OnePlus 12 and Nord CE 4 showed delayed access, suggesting a gradual deployment. This phased approach likely accounts for regional server updates and device compatibility checks, as OxygenOS 15 is still stabilizing across OnePlus’s diverse lineup.


  • India-Exclusive Focus: As an India-only feature, the inclusion reflects OnePlus’s recognition of the country’s growing smartphone market and the dominance of Zomato and Blinkit in their respective sectors. This localization enhances Shelf’s relevance for Indian users, who rely heavily on these apps for daily needs.

  • Device Compatibility: The feature requires OxygenOS 15, which began rolling out in beta form in late 2024 (e.g., October 30 for OnePlus 12) and as stable updates in early 2025 for flagship and mid-range devices like the OnePlus 11, Nord 4, and others. Users on older OxygenOS versions or non-supported devices miss out, potentially creating a disparity in experience.


User Reception

While comprehensive user surveys post-OxygenOS 15’s full release are limited as of March 16, 2025, early feedback from tech blogs, community forums, and anecdotal reports provides insight into how OnePlus users have received the Zomato and Blinkit Shelf cards.


Positive Reception:

  • Convenience: Users appreciate the seamless integration of food and grocery ordering into Shelf, eliminating the need to open separate apps for quick tasks. For instance, the ability to tap a Zomato card to order a meal or a Blinkit card to restock essentials aligns with OxygenOS’s “fast and smooth” philosophy, reducing friction in daily routines.

  • Customization: The option to choose between 2×2 and larger stacked widgets has been praised for flexibility, catering to users who prefer minimalism versus those wanting richer, swipeable content. The refreshed Shelf design, with a half-tone color scheme and expanded card sizes (e.g., 1×2, 2×4, 4×4), also enhances visual appeal and usability.

  • Regional Relevance: Indian users, in particular, value the localization. Zomato and Blinkit’s prominence in urban India makes their Shelf integration a practical addition, especially for younger, tech-savvy demographics who dominate OnePlus’s user base.

  • Performance and Stability: Early adopters report that the widgets perform smoothly, benefiting from OxygenOS 15’s optimizations like parallel processing for animations and a 20% smaller system footprint compared to OxygenOS 14. However, no significant bugs have been widely noted, suggesting a stable initial implementation.


Criticisms and Challenges:

  • Phased Rollout Delays: Some users on devices like the OnePlus 12 reported the absence of these widgets even after updating to OxygenOS 15, leading to frustration. This inconsistency suggests server-side activation or incomplete optimization, a common pain point in phased rollouts.

  • Limited Global Appeal: Non-Indian users have little use for Zomato and Blinkit cards, as these services are unavailable outside India. This has sparked mild discontent on global forums, with some feeling OxygenOS 15 prioritizes regional features over universally applicable ones.

  • App Dependency: While the cards display placeholders without the apps installed, full functionality requires Zomato and Blinkit to be present, which may annoy users who don’t use these services or prefer alternatives like Swiggy or Zepto. The lack of broader third-party app support (beyond hinted integrations like Spotify) limits Shelf’s versatility.


Broader Context and User Experience Impact

The addition of Zomato and Blinkit cards fits into OxygenOS 15’s broader design ethos of enhancing personalization and productivity. Alongside features like AI-powered tools (e.g., AI Notes, Intelligent Search), a split notification shade, and shimmering effects, Shelf’s evolution positions it as a central hub for quick interactions. For Indian OnePlus users, this update transforms Shelf from a generic widget space into a lifestyle tool, aligning with the cultural reliance on quick-delivery services.


  • Comparison to Competitors: Competitors like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI offer widget stacks and app integrations, but OxygenOS 15’s Shelf stands out for its clean execution and focus on actionable cards over mere information display. The India-specific tailoring also gives OnePlus an edge in that market over global rivals.

  • Long-Term Potential: If OnePlus expands Shelf integrations to other regional apps (e.g., DoorDash for the U.S. or Deliveroo for Europe), it could broaden the feature’s appeal. User feedback from India may shape such future decisions, especially if adoption rates are high.


Conclusion

The reception of the Zomato and Blinkit Shelf cards in OxygenOS 15 among OnePlus phone users appears largely positive, particularly in India, where the feature’s convenience and regional relevance resonate strongly. Its intuitive design, flexible widget options, and smooth performance enhance the Shelf’s utility, though the phased rollout and limited global applicability temper enthusiasm for some. As OxygenOS 15 continues to stabilize and expand across devices by mid-2025, user feedback on forums and social platforms like X will likely refine this feature further, potentially cementing Shelf as a standout differentiator in OnePlus’s ecosystem. For now, it’s a well-received step toward making OxygenOS more lifestyle-integrated for its Indian audience.



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