Google Pixel phones, for unknown reasons, will get the Android 12 update in the coming weeks. Taking advantage of this, the OnePlus did not waste much time and released Android 12 based OxygenOS 12 for the OnePlus 9 series phones, although in beta for the time being. Previously, Samsung also opened up its Android 12 OneUI 4 beta program, earlier than expected. Fast forward to now, OnePlus 9 owners can go ahead and test the waters of new features introduced with OxygenOS 12. We all know and have talked about the ‘Material You’ design Google has stressed for Android 12. However, on the other hand, OnePlus is marching ahead with a different philosophy, ‘Burdenless Design’, as noted by Android Police. The ‘Burdenless Design’ follows last year’s visual changes by OnePlus that mainly focuses on using light and dark shadows throughout its user interface. The Shelf is the place to actually notice this change, and it has now a tile-based layout, and each widget has its own drop-shadow.
OnePlus is introducing ‘Neumorphism’ homescreen icons with OxygenOS 12
Along with the visual changes inspired by the “Light and Space” artwork of James Turrell, OnePlus is also completely revamping all the icons on its menus and homescreen. The new icons are called ‘Neumorphism’ icons that is an updated take on the earlier ‘Skeuomorphism’ icons. For instance, the new File Manager now has a more tabbed layout and the gear icon for Settings has a shine to it. OnePlus is also updating the dark mode feature for its devices. Instead of just a single theme for dark mode, OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12 adds three shades of a dark theme. The Notes app also has been completely overhauled and some new formatting options have also been added. Private Safe now provides safe storage to hide all of your documents, photos, and videos on your smartphone. Work Life Balance 2.0 is also available globally. OnePlus’s Game Toolbox is getting an update. It adds certain features, such as a floating FPS window, game filters, frame rate settings, a voice modulator for voice chats in games such as Fortnite and PUBG. Last but not the least, OnePlus’ Canvas AOD feature is also getting new updates. It now supports brushes and line colors. If you are the owner of OnePlus’ current flagships, i.e. the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro, then you can join the Open Beta program and grab the update for your device.
