Alert Slider is out, ‘Plus Key’ is in for OnePlus 13s

The iconic OnePlus Alert Slider might finally be put to rest as the brand is replacing it with the so-called ‘Plus Key’.

In a new set of teaser images, OnePlus reveals that they’re adding new AI features for its next release and a big part of it is utilizing the said Plus Key. This button will be used to access various AI-powered features, including a major new one called ‘AI Mind Space’.

By pressing and holding the Plus Key, users can activate AI Mind Space, powered by what OnePlus calls AI Plus Mind.

This tool scans the phone screen for useful information like dates, events, places, and even foreign language text, and can save it for future reference. It can also add events to the user’s calendar or provide more details about locations, and other useful information.

All of the saved content is organized in the Mind Space, where screenshots are sorted along with extracted information. Users can make use of the AI Search making it more convenient and faster to look through the user’s saved content.

Later this year, OnePlus will roll out the AI Plus Mind that will auto-categorize such saved content.

(In other words, this is mostly similar to the Nothing Phone (3a) Series that featured an ‘Essential Key’.)

While AI Plus Mind will launch first on the 13s, OnePlus says it will come to other models in the OnePlus 13 series through a software update. Phones without the Plus Key can still access the feature by swiping up with three fingers.

To recap, OnePlus removed the iconic Alert Slider on the OnePlus 10 Series (OnePlus 10T and 10R to be exact), only to bring it back with the OnePlus 11. Now, it seems the beloved hardware feature might be on the chopping block once and for all in exchange of a more useful AI button.

But hold up, OnePlus might still find a way to make the new Plus Key function like an Alert Slider, possibly through customizable button mapping or gesture controls like double or triple taps to mimic its signature functionality. We’ll see about that.

Other AI additions, improvements

Aside from the Plus Key and AI Mind Space, OnePlus also continues its integration with Google’s Gemini AI. Gemini will work across OnePlus apps like Notes and Clock and support screen and camera sharing through Gemini Live.

In addition, OnePlus is also introducing:

• AI VoiceScribe: records, summarizes, and translates conversations from calls or online meetings.
• AI Call Assistant (India only): provides call summaries or live translations through the new OnePlus Dialer app.
• AI Translation App:combines all translation tools (text, voice, camera, and screen) into one app.
• AI Reframe: offers different framing suggestions for photos using scene analysis.
• AI Best Face 2.0: improves group photos by fixing closed eyes and awkward expressions.

Privacy and user data handling

To address privacy concerns, OnePlus says it will keep sensitive data on-device whenever possible.

As for heavier tasks, it uses its Private Computing Cloud, which is encrypted and designed to protect user data. It also relies on a secure system that spans the phone, cloud servers, and the data transfer process.

The OnePlus 13s is scheduled for an unveiling on June 5. Stay tuned for updates!