8 Interesting Features of the OnePlus Oreo Update

When it comes to software updates, OnePlus is not very popular. The Chinese company received flak over the irresponsible handling of the OnePlus 2 updates and the delay in releasing Android Marshmallow for OnePlus X.

However, all the chips seem to fall in the right places for the OnePlus 3 and 3T with the release of the OxygenOS Open Beta, which is based on Android Oreo. Sources say that the new operating system would make its way to the OnePlus 5 by the end of 2017.

Though Android Nougat and Oreo don’t look very different from each other, there are some significant changes under the hood in the new update.

So, without further delay, let’s have a quick roundup of the interesting features of the OnePlus Oreo update.

Also See: How to Get OnePlus 5/3/3T OTA Updates Right Now – Guiding Tech

1. Picture in Picture

While Android Nougat gave us the multi-window option, Android Oreo brought in the Picture in Picture (PIP) mode. This feature minimizes the first window to a tiny size, allowing you to continue your work.

Although not all apps support this cool feature, the in-house Google apps work amazingly well in the PIP mode.

I opened Google Maps and started navigating a route. After that, a press on the home button is all it took for the window to be minimized to the bottom corner and I could work on the web browser simultaneously. Neat, isn’t it?

2. Autofill Feature

If you’re someone like me, I bet you hate to type your username and password every time you install a new app. The Autofill feature of the Oreo Update for the OnePlus 3/3T solves this issue.

All you have to do is head over to Settings > Languages & Input > Autofill service and enable the Autofill with Google option.

Once done, you’d be prompted to let Google enter the username and passwords for the ones stored in Chrome.

See Also: 3 Ways to Productively Use LastPass on Android

3. Gaming Do Not Disturb

Having introduced two classic Oreo features, let me talk about the cool gaming mode of the OnePlus 3 Beta build for Oreo.

Similar to the gaming modes available in the Xiaomi and Samsung phones, the Gaming Do Not Disturb mode blocks notifications and lock buttons when you’re playing your favorite game.

What’s best about this feature is that you can add your choice of apps and the mode will get triggered automatically once the said app is launched.

Given that the OnePlus 3 and 3T were flagship devices, the gaming DND mode is a feature that’s more than welcome.

4. Switch Data Card

The new update comes with a nifty feature, which lets you switch data from the primary SIM to the secondary SIM in a matter of seconds.

Previously, the change had to be done manually from the SIM settings. Now, all you have to do is pull the Quick settings shade down and tap on the icon.

5. Granular Notification Management

Another classic Oreo feature is the improved Notification management. Not only does it let you have more granular control over your notifications, it also lets you snooze them.

These settings can be accessed right from the home and lock screens. Just slide the notifications towards the right and the options will appear.

The clock icon will snooze messages. One hour is the default time period but it also lets you choose from a period of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 2 hours.

Plus, the categories make notification management all too easy. For instance, say you’re using Google Duo and would like to limit messages for new events or call notifications.

Just head over to App management, choose the app and tap on Notifications. The canvas for all the customization will be right there for you to play with.

6. Notification Dots

The Oneplus Oreo update also introduces notification dots. With this cool feature, all notification alerts will be shown in the form of a dot appearing on top of the icons.

If you’d like the dot to appear on top of the Gmail icon but would like to skip it for other apps, long press the respective app icon and open App info. Once there, select Notification and toggle the Allow notification dot option.

7. Smart Text Selection

Smart Text Selection is another cool feature, which aims to reduce manual work. Once a text is selected, it’ll show a suitable shortcut that enables you to use the text for other purposes.

For instance, if you select a random word, Smart Text Selection would prompt you for a web search but if the selected text is a number or an email address, it’d display the relevant applications such as the dialer or your default mailing app.

Speaking of smart things, check out Why Fluenty Makes Your Smartphone Awesome

8. Shot on OnePlus Watermark

The Shot on OnePlus watermark grabbed the spotlight after its debut with the 2017 flagship – the OnePlus 5.

Enabling the mark is a cakewalk. You just have to head over to the camera settings, enter your name and enable the watermark.

Welcome Change

Although Android Oreo doesn’t look a lot different from Android Nougat, its share of interesting features is sure to boost your productivity levels. Plus, the new Quick Settings design and the September security patch are two of the most welcome changes to the OxygenOS Oreo Build.

See Next: 7 Handy Android Tips And Tricks That You Must Use