What You Need to Know
The Plus Key lets you customize your button functions, whether it’s switching sound modes, capturing pictures, or activating AI translation. It also triggers OnePlus’ AI Plus Mind, akin to a smart screenshot assistant that organizes information (dates, locations, etc.) rather than cluttering your photo gallery.
OnePlus is also introducing practical AI tools like call transcription, real-time translation, and smarter searches that interpret your meaning in straightforward language. While AI in smartphones often means gimmicky features that fade into obscurity, OnePlus is attempting something genuinely useful with its new Plus Key, and for once, it doesn’t feel like mere marketing fluff.
The Plus Key is more than just a replacement for the classic alert slider; it signifies OnePlus enhancing ways to personalize your device. This new physical button will debut on the upcoming OnePlus 13s, initially rolling out in India.
The Plus Key Isn’t Just a Gimmick
Unlike typical one-trick hardware buttons, the Plus Key is designed for intelligent, user-selected actions. You get to choose its functionality, whether that’s switching sound modes, quickly launching the camera, or initiating real-time AI translation.
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However, the true highlight here is OnePlus’ AI Plus Mind, a feature that acts like a supercharged screenshot tool. Instead of merely cluttering your photo gallery, it saves and organizes on-screen details in Mind Space.
Have you ever captured a quick photo of a flyer or reservation only for it to get lost in your photo chaos? AI Plus Mind resolves that. Just tap the Plus Key or swipe with three fingers to capture all key details like dates and locations, making them accessible when you need them. Moreover, it will start automatically sorting everything later this year.
In the future, AI Plus Mind will be available for the OnePlus 13 series and other OnePlus devices through a software update. However, these features haven’t been confirmed for the 13R.
The Rest of the AI Bag of Tricks
Beyond the Plus Key, OnePlus is launching several other AI-powered tools. If you’re in India, prepare for “AI VoiceScribe,” which will record, summarize, and translate calls and meetings right in your messaging and video apps. However, VoiceScribe isn’t yet available in the EU or North America.
The OnePlus 13s will also feature “AI Call Assistant” for automatic call summaries or real-time translation during conversations. For everyone else, there’s an all-new “AI Translation” app that consolidates all translation features (text, voice, camera, screen) into a single interface. Plus, “AI Search” is receiving an upgrade, allowing you to search your local files, notes, and calendars using everyday language, complementing AI Plus Mind for enhanced search efficiency.
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy “AI Reframe,” which intelligently assesses your images and suggests creative framing options. Furthermore, if you’ve ever taken a group photo with someone blinking, “AI Best Face 2.0” (launching this summer) can remedy closed eyes and awkward expressions in pictures with up to 20 individuals, regardless of whether the image was taken on a OnePlus device.
Google Gemini is Joining the Party
OnePlus is also collaborating with Google Gemini. Soon, Gemini will be integrated within OxygenOS apps like OnePlus Notes and Clock, in addition to Google’s apps, ensuring a more cohesive AI experience. You will even be able to utilize “Gemini Live” with your camera and screen sharing to engage in real-time discussions about what you observe on your device.
Of course, the unavoidable discussion around privacy arises. OnePlus asserts that sensitive data remains on-device or is processed in its Private Computing Cloud—a supposedly secure system that is out of their reach.
What stands out is that OnePlus appears to be concentrating on AI features that genuinely address real challenges rather than merely fulfilling obligations. The Plus Key and AI Plus Mind, in particular, seem like thoughtful endeavors to make your smartphone function smarter for you. Now, if only OnePlus could stop reserving the best features for specific regions.