News
WhatsApp Launches Channels: Discover, Follow, and Stay Informed
In an exciting development, WhatsApp has announced the launch of Channels, a new feature that offers users a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from individuals and organizations. This feature aims to provide a separate space within WhatsApp for users to access updates, apart from their regular chats with family, friends, and communities.
What is WhatsApp Channels?
Channels serve as a unidirectional broadcasting feature, enabling administrators to seamlessly share a multitude of content types, including text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls, with their audience. To assist users in discovering relevant channels, WhatsApp is creating a searchable directory where they can find channels based on their interests, hobbies, sports teams, and local updates. Users will also have the flexibility to access channels through invite links shared in chats, email, or posted online.
Privacy lies at the core of WhatsApp’s design philosophy for Channels. The platform ensures the protection of personal information for both administrators and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo will remain hidden from followers. Similarly, when you follow a channel, your phone number will remain undisclosed to both the channel administrator and other followers. WhatsApp emphasizes that the decision of whom to follow remains entirely private and up to the individual user.
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Use of Particular Channel
In line with their approach to messaging, WhatsApp believes that Channel updates should not have to be retained indefinitely. As a result, channel history will only be stored on servers for up to 30 days. Furthermore, WhatsApp intends to introduce features that allow updates to disappear even faster from followers’ devices. Additionally, admins will have the ability to block screenshots and forwards from their channels, further enhancing privacy controls.
WhatsApp recognizes the importance of giving admins control over their channels. Admins will be able to decide who can follow their channel and choose whether they want their channel to be discoverable in the directory or not. While Channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp acknowledges that there may be specific cases, such as non-profit or health organizations, where limited-audience end-to-end encrypted channels could be useful. The company is exploring this as a potential future option.
Rolling out in Stages
The launch of Channels will commence with a collaboration with leading global voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where the feature will initially be available. WhatsApp plans to gather insights, learn from the experience, and make necessary adaptations before expanding Channels to more countries. The company also envisions supporting admins in building businesses around their channels by leveraging WhatsApp’s expanding payment services. Additionally, WhatsApp intends to provide the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to enhance visibility and awareness.
WhatsApp emphasizes that despite the introduction of Channels, the primary focus of the platform will always remain private messaging among friends, family, and communities. Channels mark a significant step forward in response to years of user demand. WhatsApp deems it an opportune moment to introduce a broadcast tool that is not only simple, reliable, and private but also anticipates users’ enjoyment and continued utilization in the months and years ahead.
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?