OnePlus has unveiled its next-generation software experience, HydrogenOS 11 in China. The OS is based on Android 11 and brings a number of new features for OnePlus devices. The new features include features like Always-on Display functionality, smart gallery, voice notes, multi-user Zen mode, an improved dark mode, and more.
According to OnePlus Creative Director Zeng Xi, HydrogenOS 11 uses the simplest elements to create an inclusive design that will help users easily grasp information on the screen at a glance. The wallpaper in HydrogenOS 11 echoes this design approach and provides relevant information like current weather conditions and time.
The company launched the OS during a live-stream event on 10 August. For those who don’t know, the OxygenOS is the Global version of HydrogenOS (China-specific). Here are the new features coming to the OxygenOS 11.
HydrogenOS / OxygenOS 11 New Features
1. Changes in UI and Dark Mode
In its latest Android skin, the company has introduced some UI changes. However, the new UI still looks smooth and close to the stock Android. It has added the Helvetica font into the mix, along with new icons, wallpapers, animations, ringtones, and sound effects.
The UI now has an improved dark mode, not only for regular users but also for the visually impaired and also comes with different shades of the back. It is now also Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0-certified.
2. Zen Mode 2.0
The Zen mode 2.0 comes with new features such as overhaul UI and a community-focused multi-meditation feature. The multi-meditation feature will not be limited to just OnePlus phones. Users will be able to invite their loved ones for a digital detox at meetings and parties. It also added three new themes (ocean, space, grassland) and provide more duration options
For those who don’t know, the Zen Mode locks users out of the phone for 20 minutes, keeping away from the smartphone will help users to focus on the work.
3. Always-on Display
The new UI brings the much-requested ‘Always-on display’ feature. It offers a number of options from menial clock style AODs to digital health AOD. It also shows how many times you have unlocked your device and usage on the always-on display.
Additionally, it allows users to set an image from their gallery to the always-on display. It also converts your selected image to high-precision line drawing
4. Voice Memo
The HydrogenOS 11 has added a new voice note feature, which enables users to take voice notes and translate them in real-time in Chinese. The feature is similar to the Recorder app found on Google Pixel devices. However, for now, there is no information if the feature will come to the global market with OxygenOS 11 or not.
Availability
According to OnePlus, the update will be available for all OnePlus devices launched after the OnePlus 5T. Also, the company already started rolling out the first HydrogenOS 11 beta for OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. Interested users can download the OnePus 8 Further, the stable version is expected to reach supported devices in Q4 2020.
