News
YouTube Rolls Out Sleep Timer and Fine-Tuned Playback Speed for All Users
YouTube is rolling out some user feedback-based updates to enhance the experience of watching videos. Among them is a fine-tuning of playback speed. The days of a playback speed of only 0.25 speeds are gone. YouTube has refined playback speed in increments of 0.05 while having a maximum playback of 2x.
Similarly, YouTube is going to add its sleep timer feature for all users besides making it previously available to premium members. The sleep timer allows one to set up playback so that it automatically stops after ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, or forty-five minutes, one hour, or the expiration of the current video.
Later this year, iOS will bring enhancements to browsing in landscape mode and allow users to resize and move the in-app miniplayer around. YouTube, the video giant, is also giving users the opportunity to create a collaborative playlist with choices for customizing thumbnails using their own pictures or generative AI. Voting for videos within the playlists will also arrive later this year.
Badges will come pretty fast for those using their mobile devices for YouTube or YouTube Music. However, these badges will in fact highlight accomplishments such as being one of the first paid members of a channel or being correctly quizzed.
Last but not least, YouTube on TV becomes even more “cinematic”, with so many pops of pink and subtle redesigns to help add even more dynamism. Visiting a creator’s channel page will begin playing a teaser video automatically when you arrive.
These updates are generally to further improve the overall experience for users, both mobile and TV, on YouTube.
News
Noting App: Easy Notes, Lists, To-Dos, and Reminders
If you’re a Nothing Phone user, here’s some exciting news! The newly introduced Noting App is gaining attention for its unique design and features. Inspired by the branding of Nothing, the app offers a seamless note-taking experience while maintaining a stylish interface that complements the Nothing Phone aesthetic.
A Functional Yet Sleek Notes Application
The Noting App is not just another note-taking tool. It is designed for functionality and style. With this app, users can:
- Save and organize notes.
- Create detailed to-do lists.
- Set reminders for tasks.
What makes it special is its Nothing-inspired design, featuring a clean, dark interface with dotted accents and smooth animations that feel right at home with the minimalistic vibe of Nothing Phones. Although currently available in a dark mode theme, there are hints that a light mode option might be added in the future.
First Impressions: User-Friendly Features
Upon launching the app, users are greeted with a polished welcome screen. Signing in via Google allows seamless syncing of data across devices. The app’s layout includes sections for:
- Notes
- Work
- Lists
- To-Dos
Creating a note or task is intuitive, with options to add titles, descriptions, and even set due dates and reminders. The app also includes a progress bar for task completion, making it easier to track your productivity visually.
Developer’s Touch and Future Updates
The app is developed by a creator already known for third-party tools like the Nothing Dialer. While the current version is in its beta phase, users can expect new features like:
- Password-protected notes.
- The ability to export notes as PDFs.
- Enhanced customization options, including themes and layouts.
Compatibility and Availability
The Noting App is optimized for Nothing Phone models and offers a rotating screen mode for users who prefer horizontal viewing. While it’s currently shared with a limited number of beta testers, the developers plan to release it widely by the end of the year. Interested users can join the beta testing program through the developer’s Discord community.
OnePlus
OnePlus 12R Gets OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 in India: How to Download and New Features
OnePlus has officially rolled out OxygenOS 15 powered by Android 15 for its devices. This new update promises a faster smoother experience along with plenty of new features. After launching the beta version for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R last month, the stable version is now available for all users.
While OnePlus has not officially confirmed the update’s availability in India, many users on social media have shared screenshots of the new build with version number CPH2585_15.0.0.200, indicating that the stable update has arrived on their devices without needing to download the beta.
New features in OxygenOS 15
1. Share files to iPhones:
One of the standout features of OxygenOS 15 is the new OnePlus Share system. This feature allows OnePlus users to easily transfer files between a OnePlus device and an iPhone. The progress of the file transfer will be visible on the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, making the process smoother and more intuitive.
2. AI Photo features:
OxygenOS 15 takes AI-powered photography to the next level with new features aimed at improving image quality:
a) AI Unblur: Fixes blurry photos for clearer images.
b) AI Detail Boost: Enhances pixelated images to improve clarity.
c) AI Reflection Eraser: Removes reflections from photos to restore natural details.
d) Pass Scan: Adds physical boarding passes directly to Google Wallet with a single tap.
3. AI productivity features:
OxygenOS 15 introduces AI-powered tools to boost productivity:
AI Notes: Helps users enhance their writing by adjusting content, formality, and sentence structure. It also offers voice compatibility to transcribe recordings and remove fillers.
AI Reply: This feature, available in the smart sidebar, generates contextually relevant replies for chat apps, making it easier for users to respond quickly.
4. Open Canvas:
The Open Canvas feature allows users to split their screen into three apps, taking full advantage of larger screens. This feature was first introduced on the OnePlus Open and later added to the OnePlus Pad 2.
5. Circle to search and Intelligent search:
OxygenOS 15 now includes Google’s Circle to Search feature, which was previously available on the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series. This allows users to search the web by drawing circles or tapping on things in their surroundings. Long-pressing the navigation bar or pressing the home button activates the feature.
OnePlus has also confirmed that the Gemini AI assistant will be integrated as the default assistant on upcoming flagship devices.
6. Smoother Animations:
OxygenOS 15 introduces an upgraded graphics engine with a parallel drawing architecture that significantly boosts rendering and animation performance. This enhancement ensures smoother visual transitions and maintains consistency across the interface, even when the device is multitasking or handling resource-intensive tasks. Users will notice a more fluid experience, with responsive animations that elevate the overall look and feel of the system.
Another key improvement is the addition of consistent swipe animations across the system. With this update, scrolling feels uniform across both native and third-party apps, including WebView interfaces, delivering a seamless experience from app to app. This refined scrolling experience adds to the intuitive feel of the interface, making interactions smoother and more cohesive across all applications.
7. Visual Overhaul
- Refreshed Icon Designs: The home screen now boasts redesigned icons with improved proportions and vibrant colors, creating a cleaner and more visually appealing layout.
- Enhanced System Uniformity: Rounded corners and refined system icons provide a cohesive, unified visual experience across all system elements.
- Flux Themes: OxygenOS 15 introduces high-quality, customizable themes, allowing users to personalize wallpapers and animations that flow seamlessly across the Always-On Display, Lock Screen, and Home Screen.
8. Multitasking and Usability
- Floating Windows and Split Screen: New gestures enhance multitasking with floating windows that users can easily open, expand, and close with simple swipes. The Split Screen mode also allows for resizable windows, enabling side-by-side app usage.
- Enhanced Drawer Mode: An optimized Drawer Mode keeps the home screen organized, preserving the layout and making it easier to access apps.
- Intuitive Multitasking: The recent tasks view now highlights the last used app, facilitating quicker switching and smoother navigation between applications.
9. Security and Privacy
- App Security Control: This feature prevents unwanted pop-ups and background activities, boosting security and helping improve battery efficiency.
- Enhanced Private Safe: OxygenOS 15 refines the Private Safe feature with categorized views for images, videos, and documents, simplifying data management.
- Hidden Apps Access: Users can now access hidden apps directly from the home screen via a dedicated folder, with privacy protection enabled by verifying a password.
10. Battery and Charging Optimization
- Charging Limit Feature: This new addition stops charging at 80% to preserve battery health and reduce degradation over time.
- Battery Protection Reminder: If the device remains on charge for an extended period, the Charging Limit feature activates automatically to maintain optimal battery health.
11. Notification and Quick Settings
- Split Notification Drawer: The new Split Mode allows users to access the notification drawer and Quick Settings separately by swiping from the top-left or top-right of the screen. The Quick Settings panel has also been redesigned for a more consistent layout and smoother animations.
- Live Alerts: OxygenOS 15 features an improved design for Live Alerts, with interactive capsules that expand into detailed cards for more effective information display.
12. Camera and Photo Editing
- Extended Live Photos: The live photo feature now captures moments up to 3 seconds, allowing users to relive more of their favorite memories.
- Reversible Photo Editing: OxygenOS 15 offers a reversible editing feature, saving previous settings and enabling users to make adjustments without losing earlier edits.
13. Exclusive OxygenOS Customizations
- Always-On Display and Clock Styles: New clock styles for the Always-On Display give users more options to personalize their devices.
- Easter Egg in Calculator: Entering “1+=” in the Calculator app reveals OnePlus’s signature motto, “Never Settle.”
- Fresh Wallpapers and Icons: OxygenOS 15 brings new wallpapers and exclusive icon designs to modernize the device’s look.
How to Manually Install the OxygenOS 15 Update on OnePlus 12R
If you’d like to update manually, follow these steps:
- Enable Developer Mode:
- Open Settings > About Section > Version.
- Tap on Version seven times until a message confirms that you are now a developer.
- Access Local Install:
- Return to the About Section.
- Tap on OxygenOS Update, then tap on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Choose Local Install from the menu.
- Select the Downloaded Update File:
- Download the OxygenOS 15 Update File for OnePlus 12R (Note: This file is for Indian units only).
- After downloading, go to Local Install and select the update file.
- The installation will start automatically.
Nothing
Nothing Phone (2) Receives Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 is now available for users of the Nothing Phone (2). This latest software release by Nothing brings a range of new features and improvements, allowing users to experience Android 15’s capabilities firsthand.
This announcement was made through Nothing’s community forum, which also revealed that Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 will receive the Android 15-based update next month. Here’s everything you need to know about the new beta version, including its features, installation instructions, and potential issues.
What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1?
The Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 introduces several exciting features aimed at enhancing user experience, including:
1. Shared Widgets
- Users can now connect with friends and family through shared widgets. This feature allows others’ widgets to appear on your home screen, letting you stay connected and react to each other’s updates right from your device.
2. Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
- The lock screen has been upgraded with a new customization page, accessible by long-pressing on the screen. Users can select from updated clock styles and enjoy expanded widget space, making it easier to display more information right from the lock screen.
3. AI-Powered Smart Drawer
- The AI-driven Smart Drawer can now automatically organize apps into folders based on category. Additionally, users can pin their favorite apps at the top of the drawer for faster access.
4. Quick Settings and Visual Updates
- The Quick Settings menu has a refreshed design with an easier editing process. The Settings app also features an improved widget library, along with visual updates in sections like Network & Internet and Bluetooth.
5. Camera Improvements
- The camera experience is enhanced with faster launch speeds, reduced HDR processing times, and optimized portrait effects. Low-light performance is improved, and the zoom slider now has a more user-friendly display.
6. Enhanced Pop-Up View for Multitasking
- Users can now move and resize the pop-up view for easier multitasking. This feature allows notifications to be viewed without leaving the current app, providing a cleaner and more efficient experience.
7. Additional Improvements
- Other notable updates include a new auto-archive function to free up storage space, partial screen sharing for improved privacy, and updates to the fingerprint and charging animations with the signature Nothing dot-matrix styling.
How to Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 on Nothing Phone (2)
To get the new beta version, follow these steps:
- Pre-requisite: Ensure your Nothing Phone (2) is updated to Nothing OS version 2.6, with build number Pong-U2.6-241016-1700.
- Download the APK: Update to Beta Version APK
- Install the APK: Open the downloaded file and install it.
- Start the Update:
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
- Tap on “Check for new version” and follow the prompts.
Important Note: This is a beta version, meaning it may contain bugs that could affect the device’s performance or user experience. It’s recommended to back up your data before installing, as a factory reset may be required.
Expected Timeline for Stable Release
Nothing has not specified an official date for the stable release of Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0. However, with continued testing and feedback from beta users, the final stable version is expected by December 2024.
Future Updates for Other Nothing Devices
In addition to the Phone (2), Nothing has confirmed that other devices, including the Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1, will receive the Android 15-based beta update in December 2024.
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 offers a substantial set of upgrades for Nothing Phone (2) users eager to experience new Android features. From enhanced widgets and an AI-powered Smart Drawer to improved camera functionality, this update brings both usability and aesthetic improvements. However, as with all beta software, users should be cautious of potential bugs and back up their data before installation.