We’re getting an early take a look at how the subsequent model of Android will look on numerous telephones; Samsung confirmed off One UI 6 with a brand new visible design and feature-set, and OnePlus is subsequent in step with OxygenOS 14. The Android 14-based OxygenOS 14 might be rolled out for testing publicly later this month, and I bought my palms on the primary beta construct a number of days in the past.
Visually, OxygenOS 14 does not introduce any new options; the UI continues to be closely personalized and resembles ColorOS 13. In truth, I did not see any adjustments on this space in any respect within the 4 days I used the beta, and if there any visible tweaks deliberate, we’ll have to attend for future builds.
Whereas the interface is basically the identical, there are new options and usefulness adjustments, and a boatload of recent ringtones and notification tones. Here is a rundown of seven new options I discovered in OxygenOS 14.
OnePlus is aware of the right way to design an AOD type that stands out, and that continues to be the case in OxygenOS 14. The brand new Carbon Footprint AOD is builds on the Homeland AOD that debuted final 12 months, and it’s designed to showcase the influence carbon emissions have on our planet. There are 5 modes to this type, going from 0%, 25%, 45%, 75%, and 100%. Every mode adjustments primarily based on the quantity of distance walked — 100% is 8,000 steps — and it adjustments the look of the AOD fairly considerably.
The thought is to chop down in your every day carbon emissions by strolling as an alternative of taking different types of transport, and that is visually highlighted within the AOD. A 0% change in CO2 emissions exhibits a barren planet, with 100% discount surfaces a lush inexperienced world, with the AOD type altering dynamically as you make progress in your exercise targets all through the day.
You may as well select between a forest or island lagoon, and the animation switches up dynamically in both case the extra you progress.
Use world search instantly within the residence display screen
A brand new addition within the OxygenOS 14 residence display screen is a search pillbox that is positioned on the backside of the house display screen, simply above the dock. OnePlus examined a variety of methods to floor world search, together with a pull-down gesture anyplace on the display screen, and whereas that gesture continues to be lively in OxygenOS 14, the search field is a much less intrusive methodology.
Because the identify suggests, world search lets you search by means of your cellphone, together with contacts, paperwork, and even the net. What I like about this implementation is that the pillbox fades away while you’re scrolling between residence screens. And if you happen to do not care a lot for world search, you’ll be able to flip off this characteristic solely from the settings.
Lock display screen will get even higher
OnePlus is making a number of tweaks to the lock display screen in OxygenOS 14, rolling out two further controls: QR and flashlight. Now you can arrange a shortcut for a QR code reader or flashlight on the lock display screen and floor both utility with out having to unlock the cellphone.Â
OxygenOS 13 launched a persistent media participant on the lock display screen that is obtainable in always-on mode, supplying you with the power to manage music playback with out waking the display screen. This characteristic was hidden within the customization web page, and has been moved to the lock display screen settings in OxygenOS 14, giving it significantly better visibility. I take advantage of this specific characteristic quite a bit, and it is good to see OnePlus giving it a bit extra consideration.
Unlock a brand new world of ringtones and notification sounds
This is not an enormous deal as options go, however I like switching up my ringtone once in a while, and OxygenOS 14 has dozens of recent ringtones primarily based on the Aquamorphic design aesthetic. The ringtones are objectively higher than the legacy tones that had been bundled with earlier variations of OxygenOS — that are nonetheless obtainable, by the best way. In the same vein, you get an entire vary of recent notification tones.
Unified safety dashboard provides you an summary of your cellphone’s standing
OnePlus began consolidating all the safety and privateness settings right into a unified dashboard in OxygenOS 13.1, and OxygenOS 14 continues that push. There’s now a single web page that lists all safety and privateness choices obtainable, and the dashboard provides you a high-level overview of the assorted options.
The dashboard has picked up a visible refresh; it has distinct Materials You influences in OxygenOS 13.1, however switches to a clear format that is extra cohesive with the remainder of the OxygenOS 14 styling. The one new change on this entrance is the app permissions that help you grant photograph and video permissions as an alternative of full system entry, a characteristic that is baked into Android 14.
Sensible Options surfaces contextual data
One in all my favourite software program options on Pixel telephones is the At A Look widget; it does an awesome job surfacing related data as and when wanted, together with calendar occasions, upcoming flights, site visitors and climate data, and so forth. OxygenOS 14 is getting the same characteristic that is dubbed Sensible Options.
As an alternative of a widget, Sensible Options will floor data on the lock display screen, notification shade, and standing bar. The characteristic pulls in information from ride-hailing and meals supply companies (for now), and parses that information within the type of a card that is viewable on the lock display screen or notification pane.
Change languages on the fly with ease
One other new characteristic in OxygenOS 14 is the power to alter the language on a per-app foundation. The characteristic is offered within the Extra Settings sub-menu, and you’ll simply choose a language for a person app with out having to alter the system language. This is not simply restricted to OxygenOS 14 as Google is making it obtainable inside Android 14, so all telephones working the subsequent model of Android will embody it.
We’re simply getting began
OnePlus is simply rolling out the primary beta construct of OxygenOS 14, and we must always see further options with subsequent builds. If historical past is any indication, the steady construct of OxygenOS 14 ought to roll out earlier than the top of the 12 months to the finest OnePlus telephones, beginning with the OnePlus 11.Â
