News
Google Messages Web App Introduces Direct Reply Feature, Enhancing Desktop Messaging Experience
Google Messages for the Web has unveiled an exciting new feature that enables users to directly reply to Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats, bringing it in line with its Android counterpart. The recent update to the Messages web app primarily focuses on enhancing support for updated RCS read receipts and send status, offering a more robust messaging experience.
Previously, users were limited to actions such as copying text, deleting messages, and using a limited range of emojis when interacting with an RCS chat on messages.google.com/web. Responding directly to RCS messages through the desktop web client (PWA) has been a long-standing demand from users, and Google has now fulfilled this request. The latest update positions the chat above the text field, accompanied by a “Reply to message” prompt, delivering a user experience similar to the functionality found in the Android app, which was introduced back in October 2022.
The addition of direct replies is a significant enhancement as the Messages web app has long supported the display of quote replies made on or from mobile devices. This improvement further bridges the gap between mobile and desktop experiences, providing users with a seamless messaging experience across platforms.
However, it is worth noting that the direct reply feature is currently unavailable for Android tablets. In a curious move, the rectangular “Start chat” floating action button (FAB) has been relocated from the top of the conversation list to the bottom-right corner of the column. While the Messages web app generally maintains a high level of feature parity with messages.google.com, the absence of direct replies on tablets raises questions among users.
In a related development, a recent update to Messages for Wear OS showcases a redesigned layout for suggested replies. The new design features thin outlines for the pill-shaped container instead of filled buttons. These changes may hint at forthcoming design language adjustments that could align with the release of Wear OS 4, signaling Google’s commitment to refining the user experience across its ecosystem.
As Google continues to refine its messaging platform, these updates underscore the company’s dedication to providing users with enhanced features and a consistent messaging experience across devices. With the introduction of direct replies on the web and potential upcoming changes in Wear OS, Google Messages continues to evolve as a versatile and user-friendly communication tool.
OnePlus ColorOS Update is becoming one of the biggest changes in the brand’s history. With OnePlus expected to transition completely from OxygenOS to ColorOS, many users are wondering whether it’s time to switch brands or embrace the new software. The good news is that the experience may not change as much as many people expect.
OnePlus ColorOS Update: Features That Will Stay the Same
OnePlus users can expect the overall user experience to remain familiar. Core elements such as the lock screen, home screen customization, app drawer, icon packs, Shelf, camera interface, and Smart Sidebar are nearly identical between OxygenOS and ColorOS. Most day-to-day tasks will continue to feel the same, making the transition easier for existing users.
OnePlus ColorOS Update: New Features Coming to OnePlus Phones
The move to ColorOS could actually introduce several useful improvements. One of the biggest expected advantages is faster software updates, as OPPO devices often receive updates ahead of their OnePlus counterparts.
Users may also gain access to features such as:
- Native stock dialer with call recording support.
- Additional lock screen themes and wallpapers.
- More AI-powered features through OPPO AI.
- Extra widgets, including IR Blaster controls.
- Better AI assistant integration with multiple language models.
- More flexible battery percentage display options.
OnePlus ColorOS Update: What OnePlus Users Might Miss
While the overall experience remains familiar, a few OxygenOS-exclusive elements could disappear.
The signature red accent used throughout OxygenOS, Never Settle clock styles, Calculator Easter Egg, and some exclusive themes may no longer be available. Quick Settings tiles could also lose their rounded appearance, while a few OnePlus-branded apps and visual elements may be replaced with OPPO branding such as OPPO Share and Snap Key.
OnePlus ColorOS Update: AI Features and Performance Improvements
One area where ColorOS appears to have an advantage is artificial intelligence. OPPO AI introduces more advanced AI capabilities while retaining popular tools like AI Eraser, AI Portrait Glow, AI Image Enhancement, and smart assistant features. These additions could make the software more feature-rich than the current OxygenOS experience.
Final Thoughts
The transition from OxygenOS to ColorOS may sound significant, but in reality, most OnePlus users are unlikely to notice major differences in daily usage. The familiar interface remains largely intact, while faster updates, improved AI capabilities, and additional software features could actually make the overall experience better.
For longtime OnePlus fans, the branding may change, but the core user experience is expected to remain surprisingly familiar.
Also Read: OxygenOS 16.1 vs One UI 9: Which Android Skin Offers Better Customization in 2026?
OxygenOS
OnePlus 12 OxygenOS 16.1 July Update: Missing Features, Hidden Changes, Battery & Performance Improvements
OnePlus 12 OxygenOS 16.1 July Update Brings Improvements But Misses Several Expected Features
OnePlus 12 OxygenOS 16.1 July Update is finally rolling out to eligible users with the latest July Android security patch. While the update delivers noticeable improvements in battery life, system performance, and a few hidden UI refinements, OnePlus has also removed or skipped several features that users were expecting. If you own a OnePlus 12, here’s everything you need to know before installing the latest software update.
Better Battery Backup and Improved Performance
Early testing suggests that the latest update offers slightly better battery efficiency compared to the previous build. Even after benchmark testing, the device shows less battery drain and lower heat generation, indicating improved optimization.
Performance also receives minor enhancements. Benchmark scores remain largely similar, while overall day-to-day responsiveness feels smoother. Although synthetic benchmark stability shows mixed results, regular usage appears more refined with faster app transitions and better system fluidity.
Features Missing in the OnePlus 12 July Update
Despite the improvements, several features available on newer OnePlus devices are still absent on the OnePlus 12 series.
Some of the notable missing features include:
- Call identification support for devices using the Google Phone app.
- New camera filters introduced on the latest flagship models.
- Gaming Dashboard additions such as Sound Boost and Custom Equalizer.
- Other software enhancements that are currently limited to newer OnePlus smartphones.
This indicates that OnePlus is gradually differentiating software features across its product lineup instead of offering identical experiences on older flagship devices.
Hidden Changes Not Mentioned in the Changelog
Interestingly, the update includes several improvements that were not officially listed.
Users can once again expand notifications using the familiar swipe gesture, a feature that many requested after it disappeared in previous builds. The Control Center also now adopts a proper dark theme when Dark Mode is enabled, creating a more consistent interface.
The Gallery application has also been redesigned with a dedicated “Create” section that brings AI-powered tools like AI Eraser, AI Detail Boost, AI Portrait Glow, collage creation, and video editing into one place.
Another welcome addition is the redesigned fingerprint customization page. Users can now separately choose fingerprint icons and animations, while also creating personalized fingerprint icons using characters and numbers.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 12 OxygenOS 16.1 July Update focuses more on optimization than introducing major new features. Better battery life, smoother performance, and several hidden interface improvements make it a worthwhile update. However, the absence of newer camera, gaming, and calling features may disappoint users expecting complete feature parity with the latest OnePlus smartphones.
Overall, if stability and performance are your priority, this update is recommended, even though a few premium software features remain exclusive to newer devices.
ColorOS
OnePlus ColorOS 17 Eligible Devices List Leaked: Is Your Device Ready for the Next Major Update?
OnePlus ColorOS 17 Eligible Devices have now been revealed through a post on the OnePlus Club, giving users an idea of which smartphones and tablets are expected to receive the company’s next major software update. The list includes flagship smartphones, Nord series devices, foldables, and OnePlus tablets, showing that the company continues to offer software support across a wide range of products.
OnePlus ColorOS 17 Eligible Devices
According to the information shared on the OnePlus Club, the following devices are eligible for the ColorOS 17 update:
OnePlus Flagship Smartphones
- OnePlus 15
- OnePlus 15R
- OnePlus 13
- OnePlus 13R
- OnePlus 13s
- OnePlus 12
- OnePlus 12R
- OnePlus 11
- OnePlus Open
OnePlus Nord Series
- OnePlus Nord 6
- OnePlus Nord CE 6
- OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite
- OnePlus Nord 5
- OnePlus Nord CE 5
- OnePlus Nord 4
OnePlus Tablets
- OnePlus Pad 4
- OnePlus Pad 3
- OnePlus Pad 2
- OnePlus Pad Lite
- OnePlus Pad Go 2
What to Expect from ColorOS 17
ColorOS 17 is expected to bring several improvements aimed at delivering a smoother and more refined user experience. The update is likely to include a refreshed interface, enhanced system animations, better battery optimization, improved privacy features, and new AI-powered capabilities. Users can also expect performance enhancements that improve app responsiveness and multitasking.
As with previous software releases, OnePlus is expected to begin rolling out the update in phases, with newer flagship devices likely receiving it before older smartphones and tablets.
OnePlus Continues Its Software Support
The inclusion of flagship phones, Nord devices, foldables, and tablets highlights OnePlus’ continued commitment to supporting its ecosystem with timely software updates. While the rollout schedule has not yet been announced, users whose devices appear on the list can look forward to receiving ColorOS 17 once the update becomes available for their region.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus ColorOS 17 eligible devices list gives users an early look at the devices that are expected to receive the company’s latest software experience. If your OnePlus smartphone or tablet is listed above, you can expect to enjoy the new features and improvements introduced with ColorOS 17 when the official rollout begins.
Also Read: OxygenOS 16.1 July Update Battery & Performance Test: Is the Latest Update Worth Installing?