What’s New in Oxygen OS 14
Android 14 for OnePlus devices is here with the public release of Oxygen OS 14. Yes, the stable release is rolling out right now. Here’s what’s new and some of the top features you need to know.
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Key Features and Improvements in Oxygen OS 14
Limited Feature Availability in Initial Release
A little bit of bad news first: not every single feature is available immediately in Oxygen OS 14 for OnePlus 11 devices. Some of the upcoming AI functionality is still missing in this build but is expected to arrive in future updates.
Visual and Performance Enhancements
Improved Animations and Smoother Experience
OnePlus has introduced under-the-hood changes to improve how the operating system runs. One of the major enhancements is smoother animations when opening and closing applications, making the phone feel faster and more responsive.
New Visual Effects
You may notice some neat shimmering effects when plugging your phone in to charge or even unlocking it. There’s also a new halo-like fingerprint animation that adds a touch of visual flair.
Updated Widget Styles and Monotone Theme
Some pre-installed home screen widgets have updated fonts, and the settings section now sports a monotone theme, reminiscent of older Oxygen OS versions, which feels closer to the Pixel aesthetic.
Customization Options
Icon Customization and New Radiance Option
The icon customization now includes options like Radiance and Shadow, adding more visual styles. The Dynamic Color icon support toggle has also been renamed to “Adopt System Colors,” making it easier to match the system theme.
Smaller System Installation Size
OnePlus claims the new system installation is even smaller, freeing up storage on your device. Caches and other logs account for around 4 GB, which can be cleared for more storage if needed.
Enhanced Widget and Control Center
Expanded Quick Access Shelf
In Oxygen OS 14, you get more choices for quick widget selection, with the ability to resize widgets to sizes like 2×2, 4×4, and 6×6, maximizing information and utility on your screen.
New Quick Access Control Center
OnePlus has redesigned the Quick Access Control Center, allowing it to be split into two panels. Swiping from the top right accesses the control center, while swiping from the left opens the notification shade. This setup feels similar to iOS but can be reverted to the traditional method if preferred.
Live Alert Feature and Lock Screen Customization
iPhone-Inspired Live Alert Feature
Oxygen OS introduces a live alert feature inspired by Apple’s dynamic island, expanding the area around the punch-hole notch for widgets and floating panels. This feature allows for quick access to features like timers, screen recording, and personal hotspot data.
Customizable Lock Screen with Flux Themes
With the new flux themes, you can add images, text, and basic widgets to your lock screen that dynamically change. Effects like blur and glass can be added to photos, and animations enhance the overall experience.
Open Canvas Feature and Split-Screen Improvements
Open Canvas for Slab Phones
Previously exclusive to the OnePlus Open foldable, the Open Canvas feature is now available on slab phones, enhancing split-screen mode. You can drag and drop items between apps, creating a seamless multitasking experience.
Private Safe Mode
The private safe mode now lets you save content in separate folders, helping to organize and secure important files. This change provides better organization for sensitive files.
Battery and Charging Enhancements
80% Charging Limit for Battery Health
Oxygen OS 14 introduces an 80% charging limit feature, which activates after prolonged charging to protect the battery. You can toggle this option in settings, or let it activate automatically.
Enhanced Multitasking and Recent Apps Menu
Improved Recent Apps Navigation
OnePlus has redesigned the Recent Apps menu, with the last app opened shifting to the right side of the screen to indicate background status. Navigation icons help you quickly identify and access recently used apps.
Connectivity and Cross-Device Sharing
“Share with iPhone” Option
Oxygen OS 14 introduces a “Share with iPhone” feature, but it requires the recipient to download the O Plus Connect app, making it less convenient compared to other file-sharing options.
Offline Tracking for Lost Devices
OnePlus has added support for offline tracking, allowing you to locate your OnePlus 11 even when it’s powered off for up to 24 hours.
Security and Theft Protection
Theft Protection Mode
The theft protection mode adds extra security controls in case your phone is lost or stolen. It’s available in settings under “Theft Protection,” providing added peace of mind.
AI Features in Future Updates
Upcoming AI Functionality
Though AI features aren’t included in the initial release, they are expected in future updates. Features like AI Unblur, AI Reflection Eraser, and AI Detail Boost are designed to enhance photo quality and editing capabilities.
Gemini Assistant Integration
Gemini will be the default assistant in Oxygen OS, with Gemini Live also included. This builds on AI capabilities, with intelligent search and contextual file searching.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
The stable rollout has started earlier than expected for the OnePlus 11. Let us know in the comments section if you’d like to see a video diving deeper into Oxygen OS AI functionality.
Stay Tuned for Updates
As AI features and more enhancements arrive, we’ll keep you posted on which are game-changers and which may be less impactful.
