OnePlus is turning its focus to its mid-range portfolio after upgrading the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 8 series to Android 12. For the OnePlus Nord, the company has now launched the first public beta build of OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12.
OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 1 is now available for the original OnePlus Nord, according to a recent statement on the OnePlus Community forums, letting power users check out the new software before it is released to the general public. The release contains all of Android 12’s basic features, such as the Privacy Dashboard, camera and microphone indications, toggles, and redesigned home screen widgets, among others. OxygenOS 12 also comes with its own set of enhancements and tweaks, including a new “burdenless design” centered on light and shadow, Canvas AOD, better dark mode, Smart Battery Engine, and more.
The complete changelog for the new update is as follows:
System
[Added] Smart Battery Engine, a feature that prolongs your battery life based on smart algorithms and biomimetic self-restoration technology
[Optimized] desktop icons with improved textures, by using a design inspired by brand-new materials and uniting lights and layers
Dark mode
[Supported] three adjustable levels, bringing a more personalized and comfortable user experience
Shelf
[Added] new additional style options for Cards, making data contents more visual and easier to read
[Added] access to OnePlus Scout in Shelf, allowing you to search multiple contents on your phone, including Apps, Settings, Media Data, etc
WorkLife Balance
[Added] WorkLife Balance feature, allowing you to effortlessly switch between Work and Life mode via quick settings
[Supported] automatic Work/Life mode switching, based on specific locations, Wi-Fi network, and time, also bringing customized App notification profiles according to the personalization
Gallery
[Supported] switching between different layouts with a two-finger pinch gesture, intelligently recognizing the best-quality pictures, and cropping the thumbnail based on the content, making the gallery layout more pleasing
Canvas AOD
[Added] new diverse styles of lines and colors, for a more personalized lock screen experience with inspiring visuals
[Added] multiple brushes and strokes and support for color adjustment
[Optimized] software algorithm and improved face recognition to better identify the features and skin color of different figures
[Added] Voice effect preview to allow you to record your voice effect or check your voice effect in real-time]
As expected, the first beta build does have some known issues, which are listed below:
The left bottom button of the keyboard may disappear.
Unable to browse, delete and download pictures in Cloud.
Personal Safe may not respond.
Anti-shake effect in Snapchat may not be obvious.
The screen may flicker when previewing after taking pictures.
Download: OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 1 based on Android 12 for the OnePlus Nord
If you want to try out the beta build, you can download the OTA package from the link below. Once downloaded, transfer the package to the root directory of the internal storage. Then navigate to Settings > System > System Updates > Local upgrade and select the OTA package to initiate the installation. OnePlus notes that this installation method won’t erase your user data, but we still recommend taking a full backup just to be on the safe side. If you wish to revert to the stable channel at any point, you can do so by flashing the rollback package (linked below). Do note that flashing the rollback package will completely wipe your phone.
Ashok Mor (also known as TechiBee) owns a YouTube channel named TechiBee. He has been providing various tips, tricks and latest tech videos in the world of smartphones.
Google Gmail updatemarks the biggest evolution of the platform in more than 20 years, introducing powerful AI tools for all users and a long-awaited option to change your primary Gmail address without losing data. With over two billion active users, these updates are set to redefine how people use email daily.
In its latest announcement, Google confirmed that advanced AI features once reserved for paid users are now free for everyone on Gmail. This move officially brings Gmail into the Gemini-powered era, changing it from a simple inbox into a smart digital assistant.
Google Gmail Update Introduces Free AI Features
One of the biggest highlights of the Google Gmail update is universal access to AI tools such as Help Me Write, Suggested Replies, and AI Overviews. These features help users draft emails faster, summarize long conversations, and suggest actions directly from messages.
These upgrades are powered by Gemini 3, which processes email content and metadata to deliver smarter assistance. While Google states users remain in control, enabling these tools does allow AI systems to read inbox data. Privacy-conscious users can choose to disable these features entirely.
Google Gmail Update Allows Email Address Change
Another major change in the Google Gmail update is the ability to change your primary Gmail address without creating a new account. Users can keep all emails, files, subscriptions, and account history, while the old address continues to receive mail.
This feature is ideal for users still using outdated or unprofessional email IDs. However, Google limits how frequently this change can be made, so users should consider the decision carefully.
Privacy and Security Considerations
With AI analyzing inbox data, security remains a key concern. Google continues to warn users about phishing attacks and account takeovers. The Google Gmail update gives users flexibility, but it also places responsibility on them to manage privacy and security settings wisely.
Overall, this update represents a major shift in email usage, blending convenience with control.
OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging updatehas officially arrived with the rollout of OxygenOS 16.0.3, bringing a mix of long-awaited features and under-the-hood improvements. The January update is now available for both OnePlus 13 and 13S users and includes the first-generation 2026 Android security patch, ensuring better protection and stability across devices.
The OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update introduces a major improvement in how users can manage battery health during heavy usage.
OnePlus 13 Series Bypass Charging Update: What’s New in OxygenOS 16.0.3
The OxygenOS 16.0.3.501 update weighs close to 946MB and is currently rolling out in phases. Users can check availability by heading to Settings > Software Update > Beta Program and installing the OTA package once it appears.
One of the most notable additions is full bypass charging support. Earlier, this feature was limited mainly to gaming scenarios through the gaming dashboard. With the latest update, bypass charging is now accessible system-wide. Users can find it under Settings > Battery > Charging Settings, where a charging threshold between 20% and 80% can be set. Once enabled, power is supplied directly to the system after reaching the threshold, helping reduce heat generation and improving long-term battery health during heavy usage such as video editing, streaming, or benchmarking.
OnePlus 13 Series Bypass Charging Update and Camera Improvements
The update also enhances the Photos app by allowing editing of images up to 50 megapixels without reducing quality. High-resolution photos, including 8K Ultra HD images, now retain their original clarity even after basic edits. This change is especially useful for users who rely on the OnePlus camera for detailed photography.
With the OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update, power is supplied directly to the system, reducing heat and long-term battery degradation.
In addition, users will notice smoother animations, improved blur effects, and refined transitions—particularly with larger app icons and tiles. The App Store UI has also received a visual refresh with bigger tile layouts.
This OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update is especially useful for gaming, video editing, and media consumption.
Minor Tweaks and System Changes
Other changes include better app drawer categorization for office and finance apps, minor adjustments within Private Safe, and an option to disable “Reply with SMS” for devices using the OnePlus stock dialer. While a few previously reported UI bugs persist, the overall experience feels more polished and responsive.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update makes OxygenOS 16.0.3 a meaningful upgrade for daily and power users alike.
With OxygenOS 16.0.3, OnePlus continues to focus on battery health, performance, and usability—making this update a meaningful upgrade for OnePlus 13 series users.
Samsung Galaxy S26+ is shaping up to be one of the most unexpected releases in Samsung’s 2026 flagship lineup.
Samsung Galaxy S26+ is shaping up to be the most compromised model in Samsung’s upcoming flagship lineup, according to fresh reports from South Korea. New details suggest that the device will miss out on a major display upgrade due to last-minute internal decisions during development.
As per industry insiders cited by The Elec, Samsung Electronics initially planned a different lineup strategy. The company was working on a Galaxy S26 Edge model, which was later scrapped late in the development cycle. To fill the gap, Samsung brought back the Galaxy S26+—but the timing appears to have caused several compromises.
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Production and Display Decisions Explained
Originally, Samsung intended to reuse the newly developed display panel from the cancelled S26 Edge for the S26+. However, this plan was reportedly dropped at the last moment. With no time left to engineer or source an alternative panel, the Galaxy S26+ is now expected to ship with a display that is almost identical to the one used on the Galaxy S25+. The only notable change may be the use of a newer protective glass layer, rather than a fundamentally improved panel.
For many users, the lack of a Samsung Galaxy S26+ display upgrade could make the Plus model less appealing compared to other variants.
Interestingly, the base Galaxy S26 is not facing the same issue. Reports indicate that it will feature a new 6.27-inch display, slightly larger than the 6.16-inch panel on the Galaxy S25. This suggests that Samsung prioritized upgrades for the entry-level model while the Plus variant took a back seat.
The situation is very different for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Ultra model reportedly entered mass production as early as last month. Samsung appears to have prioritized component sourcing and manufacturing capacity for its top-tier flagship, which aligns with early production targets.
Current estimates suggest initial production of around 3.6 million Galaxy S26 Ultra units, compared to 700,000 standard Galaxy S26 models and just 600,000 Galaxy S26+ units. These figures are expected to be revised in February, with Samsung likely increasing output for the vanilla plus models while reducing Ultra volumes.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ appears to be a strategic compromise rather than a fully refreshed flagship.
The Galaxy S26 series is rumored to launch on February 25, slightly later than last year’s timeline, though official confirmation is still pending.
