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ARE APPLE PAY AND APPLE WALLET THE SAME THING?

Gone are the days when physical cash was the only mode of payment. Like most things, such as radios and newspapers, which have been replaced by podcasts and online news sites, respectively, cash has been replaced by digital payments. For instance, if you’re shopping through an online marketplace like Amazon, you can make the payment for your purchase through your credit or debit card. Similarly, many retailers, such as Walmart, support payment through cards and mobile payment systems like Apple Pay.

Apple Pay is a popular mobile payment system that enables you to make purchases at both offline and online stores. It is compatible with almost all Apple devices. In addition to Apple Pay, you must have also heard about the Apple Wallet app, which comes preinstalled on Apple devices. Although both Apple Pay and Apple Wallet (both of which you can use on your Apple Watch) may appear to serve similar purposes, they are distinct from each other. Here’s everything you need to know about these two services and how they differ from each other.

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What is Apple Wallet?

Apple Wallet is one of the apps that comes preinstalled on your Apple device. Similar to a physical wallet, the Apple Wallet can be used to securely store your credit and debit cards. Apple also allows you to store additional documents in the Wallet app, which includes your boarding pass, reward cards, membership cards, tickets, hotel keys, and even your driver’s license in selected states (California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Puerto Rico, Ohio, New Mexico, and Iowa).

Among all the added cards, the Wallet app displays the credit or debit card at the top of the list, while all other cards and passes are situated at the bottom. You can simply tap on any card to view its details. However, it’s essential to note that Apple Pay is not supported in many countries and regions. So, you won’t be able to add payment cards to the Apple Wallet if you live in any such region. Most likely, you’ll see the “To add cards, keys, tickets, and passes to Wallet, look for the Add to Wallet button in apps, emails, and websites” pop-up when trying to add a new card.

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What is Apple Pay, and how is it different from Apple Wallet?

A person paying for their purchase through Apple Pay.

Once you’ve added your credit or debit card to the Apple Wallet app, you’re all set to use the Apple Pay feature on your Apple device. Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that eliminates the need to carry credit or debit cards when shopping. It allows you to use your Apple device to pay for items you purchase from both offline and online stores.

For instance, if you want to use your iPhone to pay for an item that you’ve purchased from an offline store, you simply need to double-tap the power button on your iPhone and authenticate your identity. Then, bring your iPhone close to the contactless symbol that appears in the store’s card reader. Your iPhone will automatically make the payment using the card set as the default in the Apple Wallet app.

Similarly, you can purchase stuff online using Apple Pay. At the checkout screen, select the Apple Pay button from the list of available payment options. Then, confirm all the details, and double-tap the power button to authenticate your identity and make the payment.

So, you see, the main difference between Apple Pay and the Apple Wallet app is that the latter stores all your card details, whereas the former offers a secure way to make online and offline purchases. Therefore, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that both services are interconnected, and their primary advantage is that they eliminate the need for you to carry your credit or debit card physically with you wherever you go.

Update your Nintendo Switch App now if you’re getting a Switch 2 next week

Summary

The Nintendo Switch Online App has been renamed to the Nintendo Switch App, and now supports the Nintendo Switch 2.
Switch 2 players can now accept GameChat invitations on the Switch 2 app.
You can now upload Switch 2 screenshots to the Nintendo Switch App and the Zelda Notes service has been added.

The release of theNintendo Switch 2is now officially a week away, and in anticipation of itshighly awaited launch, Nintendo has updated the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app with a new name and features for the Switch 2, ensuring it’s ready for the console on day one.

Starting with the name, the Nintendo Switch Online app is now simply called the Nintendo Switch App, dropping the “Online” designation that has long been associated withNintendo Switch Online, the company’s subscription-based online membership service. Nintendo Switch Online provides players with online multiplayer access, cloud save data, and access to classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Although the app’s name has changed, it retains the same functionality as before. It hasn’t lost any core features, such as the ability for Switch 1 players to chat with friends through the app. The most significant change in the app’slatest 3.0.1 updateis its support for the Nintendo Switch 2, enhancing the in-app experience for the new console’s features.

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The Nintendo Switch app is ready for the Switch 2

You can now upload Switch 2 screenshots to the app

Nintendo / Pocket-lint

One of the Switch 2’s new features is GameChat, a built-in service that allows players to talk with friends while playing games on the Switch 2. Think of it as Nintendo’s version of Discord or an Xbox Live Party. With the latest Nintendo Switch app update, Switch 2 players can now receive and accept GameChat invitations on the app, making it easier to hop into a call with friends without interrupting what they’re doing on their Switch 2.

Additionally, the app has been enhanced with other features for connecting with friends, including the ability to add Switch Online friends through the app and to enable notifications when a friend goes online. It’s clear that with this app update and GameChat, Nintendo is placing a much larger emphasis on connecting with friends for the Switch 2.

The feature I’m most excited about that has been added with the update is the ability to upload screenshots you’ve taken on your Switch 2 to the Nintendo Switch mobile app. This will make it much easier to quickly share screenshots with friends and family or to post on social media.

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To upload a screenshot, players can go to the Switch 2’s gallery and select the “Upload to Smart Device” option (as seen in the image above). You’ll be able to upload 100 files to the app at a time, but they’ll only be stored for 30 days before they are deleted, so make sure to download them. It’s also worth noting that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription isn’t required for this.

Finally, the Nintendo Switch app has added the newZelda Notes service, providing players with handy tools for playing the Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Zelda Notes includes some exciting add-ons, such as a voiced navigation feature that helps you locate Koroks and challenging shrines, voice memories from characters in the game, a photo studio to customize your Zelda screenshots, and much more. However, Zelda Notes won’t be available until the Switch 2 launches.

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The Nintendo Switch app’s 3.0.1 update for the Switch 2 is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. In just a week’s time, the Nintendo Switch 2 will finally launch on June 5, 2025.

macOS 26 supported devices — these Macs may not make the cut

Older MacBook Pros, iMacs and iMac Pros may be out of luck

Apple’s macOS Sequoia follow-up is expected to be released late this year alongside iOS 26 (or iOS 19 if the rumored rebrand doesn’t take place).

The tech giant is reportedly going to overhaul the interface for all of its operating systems under themoniker Solarium,which is inspired by the translucent roundness of visionOS.

Unfortunately, not every Mac will receive the refreshed macOS 26, dubbed “Cheer.”Apple Insideris reporting that Intel-based Macs won’t support the update.

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These are the specific models that may not get macOS 26:

2017 iMac Pro
2018 Mac mini
2018 MacBook Pro models
2020 MacBook Air (with Intel chips)

It’s not entirely surprising that those models would lose support for this year’s version of macOS. They’re already the oldest Apple computers that are officially compatible withmacOS Sequoia, introduced in 2024.

They were likely on the chopping block for official support regardless of Apple’s plan to redesign the UI.

Meanwhile, these are the devices that we expect should support the Solarium look:

2019 MacBook Pro 2019 or later
2019 Mac Pro or later
2020 iMac or later
MacBook Air M1 or later
Mac mini M1 or later
Mac Studio — all models

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The macOS 26 labeling has been rumored as a big change from Apple to unify all of its operating systems with a year-based convention. Similar to how car manufacturers name new versions of vehicles, the 26 would refer to 2026, but launch this year.

According to Apple Insider, the first developer beta for macOS 26 should come out around WWDC in June with a file size of around 17 GB, about 2 GB larger than Sequoia. They also believe Apple will keep its California naming convention with trademarks already filed for Redwood, Skyline or Diablo as potential options.

Apple’s software plans will be made public duringWWDC 2025, which is set tobegin on June 9.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES’ BATTERY ON IPHONE (AIRPODS OR NOT)

Close up of an iPhone connected to charger showing AirPods battery

Using your favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones with your iPhone is super convenient. However, since they’re battery-powered, you must keep an eye on their charge so that they’re always sufficiently charged when needed. Most Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, don’t have built-in screens to show battery levels, so you’ll have to rely on the connected device to check the battery status. If it’s an iPhone, there are a few easy ways to see how much battery your Bluetooth headphones have left.

If you have Apple’s AirPods, your iPhone automatically shows the battery level of each earbud and the case as soon as you open the lid to connect them. However, if you want to check the battery while using them, you can do so by opening the Settings app and tapping on your AirPods’ name at the top. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth and then tap the info icon next to your AirPods to see the battery level.

If music is playing on your iPhone, you can also check the battery level of your headphones from the mini music player that appears on the Lock Screen. Just tap the tiny headphones icon next to the playback controls, and the battery level will appear. All of these tricks are not exclusive to AirPods. You can also use them to check the battery level of your Beats headphones on your iPhone.

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How to check the battery level of any Bluetooth headphones on iPhone

Adding Batteries widget on iPhone home screen

If you’re using non-Apple headphones, you can still check their battery level on your iPhone. While your headphones are connected, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on older iPhone models), and you should see a tiny battery icon next to the headphones symbol in the top-right corner. It won’t show you the exact percentage, but it’s good enough for a rough idea of how much charge is left.

To check your headphones’ battery in percentage, you’ll have to add the Batteries widget to your iPhone’s Home Screen. Here’s how to do it:

Go to the Home Screen page where you want to add the widget and long-press anywhere on an empty spot.
Tap the Edit option in the top-left corner and select Add Widget.
Scroll through the list to locate the Batteries widget and tap on it.
Swipe through different widget styles.

Tap and hold the battery widget you like and place it on the home screen.
You can use the same widget on both your Lock Screen and the Today View. To add it to your Lock Screen, tap and hold an empty spot, then tap Customize > Add Widgets > Batteries. On the Today View, long-press any widget, then tap the Edit option in the top-left corner. Finally, choose Add Widget > Batteries > Add Widget.

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Using a third-party app to check your headphones’ battery

iPhone showing Sony headphones battery level on screen

Many popular headphone brands offer their own app, so you can easily switch between various listening modes, personalize sound, and install software updates. These apps also make it easy to check the battery level of your headphones on iPhone. All you have to do is download the app created by your headphone’s manufacturer. For instance, Bose users can use the Bose Connect app, while Sony users will need the Sony Sound Connect app. If you have Galaxy Buds, you’ll need to get the Samsung Galaxy Buds app from the App Store.

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If your headphones don’t have a companion app, you can use third-party apps like Battery Life to monitor the battery status. This is especially useful if you regularly switch between multiple Bluetooth headphones and want to view their battery levels in one place. First, download the Battery Life app on your iPhone from the App Store. Once installed, open the app, go to the Connected devices section. In this section, you’ll see a list of Bluetooth devices currently connected to your iPhone, including headphones, along with their battery levels. Just a heads-up, since it’s a free app, you’ll see a lot of ads.

Apple now selling spare parts for iPad, iPad Pro and iPad mini

Apple iPad users will soon be able to purchase original spare parts and tools for repairing their tablet directly from Apple, as the tech giant has now just added the first iPad models to its self-service repair program.

Apple will soon sell iPad replacement parts directly to consumers. (Image source: iFixit)

Apple has been offering spare parts for the iPhone and Mac since 2022, which end users can order directly from theApple Self Service Repair Store. The online shop also provides access to the tools required to carry out repairs, which can be purchased or rented depending on the tool. Repair manuals and diagnostic tools are designed to further simplify repairs.

The repair program is finally being expanded to include the Apple iPad, starting with the iPad Air with Apple M2 and newer, the current iPad Pro with Apple M4, the iPad mini with A17 Pro, and the iPad with Apple A16. Some of the most important components, such as the battery, display, cameras, and USB-C ports, are expected to be available at launch. These iPad replacement parts are not currently available in the Self Service Repair Store, but it shouldn’t be long before the range is expanded as announced.

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As the iFixit teardown video (embedded below) reveals, Apple has made improvements to newer models such as the iPad Pro with Apple M4 that make repairs a little easier. However, it is still necessary to separate the display, which is glued to the housing, from the frame, which can easily damage the panel. Aside from the effort and the risk of damaging components, Apple’s Self Service Repair Store has one major drawback: high costs. While the prices for the new iPad replacement parts are not yet known, Apple sometimes charges more for a spare part for the iPhone than the repair would cost in the Apple Store.

iPad Pro 13" Teardown and Apple Pencil Pro Destruction

IS MICROSOFT ONEDRIVE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO GOOGLE DRIVE?

OneDrive and Google Drive logos with white background

The benefits of using cloud storage over local storage are significant. For starters, you can get to your files from just about anywhere. And as long as you’ve set up account recovery, there’s little chance of losing them. But which cloud service should you use? While there are plenty of reliable options out there, Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are two of the most popular. That’s mostly because of their reliability and wide range of features.

Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive have a lot in common when it comes to features, ease of use, and security. You can access both services on most operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Both of them also offer comparable file-sharing and collaboration options. If you use a premium plan, you get access to AI-powered features through Copilot or Gemini, built into their respective productivity suites.

The biggest difference between the two is how much free storage they offer. Google Drive gives you 15GB of storage, while OneDrive only includes 5GB on its free plan. This, of course, makes Google Drive look like the better choice at first glance. But if you’re thinking about upgrading to a paid plan, OneDrive has its advantages, too.

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Why Microsoft OneDrive is a better choice

Close up of OneDrive open on phone and laptop

For extra storage on OneDrive, you have to sign up for a Microsoft 365 plan. With Google Drive, additional storage comes through a Google One subscription. Both services offer a basic 100GB plan for $2 per month, so there’s no price difference at that tier.

If you’re looking for more space, though, Google One has a 2TB plan for $10 a month. For the same amount, Microsoft offers only 1TB of storage. That said, the Microsoft 365 Family plan is a better deal if you plan to share the subscription. For $12.99 a month, you can share the subscription with up to six users, and each person gets their own 1TB of storage. Google One also supports sharing with up to five others, but the 2TB is shared across users.

OneDrive also makes sense if you already use Microsoft Office apps for work or school. That’s because a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription includes access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Plus, all your documents are automatically saved to OneDrive. You also get Clipchamp, which is a great video editing tool if you’re into that kind of thing.

Choosing OneDrive is also a smart move for Windows users. Once you sign in with your Microsoft account, you can easily back up all your files and manage them through File Explorer. While it’s possible to add Google Drive to Windows for a similar setup, OneDrive offers better integration since it’s built by Microsoft.

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Reasons to use Google Drive

Hands using Google Drive on phone and laptop

Google Drive isn’t a bad option either. In fact, for some, it might make more sense than OneDrive. For instance, if you’re sticking with the free plan, Google Drive’s 15GB of storage is far more generous. And if you’re already into Google’s ecosystem and prefer using Gmail over Outlook or Google Docs over Word, using Google Drive makes it easy to manage and share your files.

When you’ve thousands of files stored in the cloud, a good search function can make all the difference. That’s where Google Drive shines with its advanced search filters. For instance, if you search for a document, it also shows files containing the word you searched for, which can be useful when you don’t remember the exact file name. In comparison, OneDrive’s search feature feels more limited.

Finally, if you mainly want cloud storage for photos and videos, Google Photos is a big plus. It works on Android, iOS and the web, and having a dedicated app just for managing your media makes everything a lot simpler. You also get to use all of Google Photos’ best AI features. Microsoft, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a separate app for photos and videos, so you have to manage everything through the main OneDrive app.

Ultimately, you really can’t go wrong with either service. It mostly comes down to the devices you use, your storage needs, and whether you prefer Microsoft or Google’s ecosystem.

USB 3.2 GEN 1 VS. GEN 2: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

USB, or — Universal Serial Bus to give it its full title — has been around since 1996. The now ubiquitous technology is built into innumerable electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, game consoles, and eBook readers, to name just a few. It wasn’t always like this; those of us long enough in the tooth can remember a pre-USB world when connecting a peripheral to a computer was often an object lesson in frustration. Largely, connection problems were down to a lack of industry standards and the limited number of ports available on the machinery of the era. These problems were exactly what the introduction of USB 1.0 was intended to solve.

Jump forward a few decades, and the standard has evolved massively. There are now several generations to consider in the history of USB, and while most people now know what USB is, there is often confusion surrounding the versions. One such point is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2. While both are labelled as USB 3.2, there is one distinct difference between the standards — the speed at which they can transfer data, with Gen 2 effectively doubling the speed of its Gen 1 forerunner.

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USB 3.2 – A messy family tree

Various USB ports on a computer mainboard

The story of USB should be simple: USB 2 followed USB 1, and then in 2008, along came USB 3.0. All fairly straightforward so far, but then came USB 3.2 to mess things up a bit. USB 3.2 Gen 1 was originally released as both USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1, and has a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps. It has three interface options: USB-A, microUSB, and USB-C. For comparison, the Gen 2 version has a maximum transfer speed of 10 Gbps and comes with the same trio of interface options. It’s this double transfer speed of Gen 2 that is the primary difference between the standards.

And if you’re still following, then brace yourself, there’s more to come. In total, there are four variants of the USB 3.2 standard. The others are USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Both these variations use the USB-C interface only and offer transfer speeds of 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, respectively. The organization we can thank for keeping this all so clear is the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which is the body responsible for maintaining the USB specification and compliance.

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What’s in a name – the USB 3.2 story

USB-C cable being plugged into a USB charger

When the USB-IF originally envisaged the USB 3.2 standard, it wanted to use a naming convention that strayed from numbers and generations. The original plan was to call the standards with more meaningful names. In this scenario, they wanted to name the USB 3.1 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.2 Gen 1) as SuperSpeed USB, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) called SuperSpeed USB+. Whether this would have made things any clearer is a matter of conjecture, as the naming convention never gained any traction with manufacturers. Other suggested names included SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2 and SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.

The good news is that the era of USB 3.2 is over as we move into the heady realms of USB 4. Introduced in 2019, the standard is restricted to the smaller, more capable USB-C interface and is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt technology. With speeds of up to 40 Gbps, this standard again managed the impressive feat of doubling data transfer rates. So far, the USB-IF seems to be keeping on top of the naming conventions for USB 4, with the latest generation simply called USB 4 Version 2. This iteration of the standard brought another doubling of transfer rates to 80 Gbps — another impressive achievement, but let’s just hope the naming committee doesn’t get nostalgic and try to call it “SuperSpeed USB++ Ultra Max Pro USB4.”

Apple hikes some iCloud and Apple One subscription prices in several countries – could more be on the way?

Brazil, Chile, and Peru see iCloud+ price rises from Apple

(Image credit: Shutterstock / nikkimeel)

Apple raises iCloud+ costs in Brazil, Chile, and Peru
Some Apple One subscriptions also see rise
iCloud price rises have been common across the world recently

SomeiCloudcustomers are facing higher prices afterAppleupped the cost of plans in several nations.

A recently updated support document showed thecloud storageplatform will soon cost more for users in Brazil, Chile, and Peru, with some tiers becoming up to 34% more expensive.

The move will affect iCloud+ customers in the nations, who will now all face higher costs across all available tiers, according to reports from9to5MacandMacRumors.

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iCloud+ price rises

Country	Old Prices	New Prices
Brazil	50GB: R$ 4.90 200GB: R$ 14.90 2TB: R$ 49.90 6TB: R$ 149.90 12TB: R$ 299.90	50GB: R$ 5.90 200GB: R$ 19.90 2TB: R$ 66.90 6TB: R$ 199.90 12TB: R$ 399.90
Chile	50GB: $790 200GB: $2,490 2TB: $8,490 6TB: $29,990 12TB: $59,990	50GB: $990 200GB: $3,290 2TB: $10,990 6TB: $32,990 12TB: $64,990
Peru	50GB: S/. 2.90 200GB: S/. 9.90 2TB: S/. 34.90 6TB: S/. 99.90 12TB: S/. 199.90	50GB: S/. 3.90 200GB: S/. 12.90 2TB: S/. 42.90 6TB: S/. 129.90 12TB: S/. 259.90

In Brazil, the move will see prices rise to the following; 50GB – R$ 5.90 (was 4.90), 200GB – R$ 19.90 (was 14.90), 2TB – R$ 66.90 (was 49.90), 6TB R$ 199.90 (was 149.90), and 12TB – R$ 399.90 (was 299.90).

In Chile, it will be as follows; 50GB – $990 (was $790), 200GB – $3,290 (was $2,490), 2TB – $10,990 (was $8,490), 6TB – $32,990 (was $29.990), and 12TB – $64,990 (was $59,990).

And in Peru, the prices will change as follows; 50GB – S/. 3.90 (was 2.90), 200GB – S/. 12.90 (was 9.90), 2TB – S/. 42.90 (34.90), 6TB – S/. 129.90 (was 99.90), and 12TB – S/. 259.90 (was 199.90).

9to5Macalso noted some Apple One plans are also seeing a price rise, as the Family plan increases to R$59,90, and the Premium plan goes up to R$99,90 per month – although the basic plan cost remains the same.

Apple has raised prices for some or all iCloud+ storage plans in at least 10 other countries in recent months, with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, and the Philippines all affected.

The likes of the US, Canada, and the UK have avoided iCloud+ price increases so far, but the increasing number of price hikes could mean they may be next.

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The recent global economic turmoil has led some countries to be hit harder than others, with9to5Macnoting the Brazilian Real has seen a 15-20% devaluation against the US dollar over the last few years.

OnePlus’ new Plus Key gives users a hardware link to AI, replacing the fan-favorite Alert Slider

It’s not often we see a new hardware button

The OnePlus 13s, showcasing the Plus Key

(Image credit: OnePlus)

OnePlus has revealed the Plus Key, a new button positioned as a way to access the new OnePlus AI suite
The Plus Key replaces the Alert Slider found on OnePlus phones since the OnePlus 2
The Plus Key will come to all OnePlus phones launching this year

OnePlus has announced OnePlus AI, and while the Chinese company’s vision for mobile artificial intelligence comes mainly via new software, the list of changes includes an update to one of the brand’s most iconic hardware features.

The new Plus Key is a physical button that replaces the three-stage Alert Slider. The button can be customized in settings to activate one of several features, like opening the camera or starting a live translation.

The new hardware feature will make its debut with the OnePlus 13s, a China-only model previously known as theOnePlus 13 Miniin online rumor circles.

OnePlus has confirmed the Plus Key will come to all OnePlus smartphones rolling out this year – at a minimum we’d expect this to include the rumored OnePlus 14 and OnePlus 14R, which based on prior releases we’d expect to launch in China at the end of 2025 for global launch in 2026. Though note that OnePlus might skip the number 14 and call this the OnePlus 15 series instead.

By default, the Plus Key activates the newAI Plus Mind capture system, which saves a screenshot, plus an AI summary of the on-screen information, in the new AI Plus Mind app.

It’s this, alongside the timing of this hardware announcement, that illustrates OnePlus’ vision of the Plus Key as a part of the company’s AI strategy.

“It’s time for us to evolve”

OnePlus revealed its new AI suite on May 27(Image credit: OnePlus)

At the official OnePlus AI reveal event, I spoke with Arthur Lam, director of OxygenOS and AI strategy at OnePlus, about how the Plus Key and AI Plus Mind work together.

“The thought process behind it was we wanted to bring AI that can empower you to do different things. And I think one of the biggest things was we live in this digital age where we have a lot of fragmented memories across multiple places” said Lam.

“We believe that this is not a software-only solution,” Lam continued, “it’s a hardware-software solution; that makes it uniquely OnePlus.”

When OnePlus announced the end of the Alert Slider,I wrote that I’d always found it to be a useful and charismatic addition to the brand’s handsets. However, even with the Alert Slider’s fan-favorite status, Lam tells me the company is confident that it’s time for an update.

“People ask us, ‘after using the Alert Slider for a decade, why are you changing it?’ Because now is the time, because it’s connected with your AI Plus Mind.”

“It makes sense for us to make changes. Even though we’ve been there for the last decade, and many of the users love it, we think it’s time for us to evolve it to the next generation.”

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More than just a button

OnePlus Plus key promotional materials showing the phone at a side angle, plus the screen open to the settings menu

OnePlus is keen to market the Plus Key as a versatile, AI-forward feature(Image credit: OnePlus)

There’s more to OnePlus AI than just the Plus Key and AI Plus Mind – upcoming features include AI Translation, an AI Reframe tool for cropping photos, and AI VoiceScribe, which automatically transcribes phone calls.

With that said, the Plus Key is the most fully-fledged AI hardware feature we’ve seen on a smartphone so far – this AI-first approach could help OnePlus to differentiate the Plus Key from the iPhone’s Action Button, which clearly served as inspiration.

It’s also telling that OnePlus is willing to cut a well-loved feature like the Alert Slider for the AI-focused Plus Key. This suggests that OnePlus AI could be a major priority for the brand going forwards.

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Personally, I’m a fan of the Alert Slider, but I think AI Plus Mind is a great idea, and a good enough feature to make the Plus Key seem novel and genuinely useful.

Be sure to keep up with our phones coverage for the latest updates as the Plus Key comes to more of thebest OnePlus phones.

What do you think of the Plus Key? Will you miss the Alert Slider? Let us know in the comments below.

CHROME OS VS ANDROID: HOW THEY’RE DIFFERENT (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

ChromeOS and Android are often mentioned in the same breath, which has a lot to do with them both being part of Google’s vast mobile and digital ecosystem. But while they share common DNA, including access to the Google Play Store and integration with services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Assistant, when you go beyond those basics, the two start to go their separate ways. While it’s true that the two can both run Android apps and have some things in common behind the scenes technology-wise, they’re built for different tasks, look different, and work in very different ways.

If you own or have ever used a budget-friendly laptop like the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, you’re familiar with Google’s lightweight ChromeOS operating system. Unlike Windows and macOS, ChromeOS is a cloud-based operating system that emphasizes the use of web applications and services, with Google’s unique Chrome browser acting as its primary interface. In contrast, Android is an operating system designed for mobile devices. All of that tapping, swiping, and pinching you do on your non-Apple smartphone or tablet, Android makes it possible.

What’s important to keep in mind is that these differences aren’t just technical; they affect how each system fits into your daily life. ChromeOS is built for getting things done on a laptop, while Android is made for using your phone or tablet with taps and swipes. While it might seem like these systems could be interchangeable, they’re built for different types of devices, and for most people, there’s really no good reason to use ChromeOS on a phone or Android on a laptop.

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ChromeOS is built for productivity and cloud-first computing

Using ChromeOS for the first time takes a little bit of getting used to because it doesn’t work like traditional operating systems, which rely on programs the user has to install and traditional file systems. Instead, ChromeOS is built around the Chrome browser, which means that as the user, you can get everything done using web apps and store most of your work in the cloud. With ChromeOS, you can download Android apps from the Google Play Store, and on many Chromebooks, you can even run Linux apps, something that gives users a lot of choice when it comes time to get things done.

The design of ChromeOS makes it an especially good match for those whose primary work involves document editing, web browsing, and other productivity activities. ChromeOS’ simplicity is what sets it apart from other operating systems and makes it a favorite in schools and among those looking for an inexpensive laptop that’s easy to use and doesn’t come with a bunch of unnecessary extras.

Google’s cloud is an integral part of the ChromeOS setup and makes it easy for users to access their files and applications from any device with an internet connection. ChromeOS includes built-in access to Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. While these apps are also available in any browser, ChromeOS offers tighter integration and native offline support that can make them easier to use on a Chromebook. All of these things are what make ChromeOS a better fit for users who need a simple, secure laptop for everyday tasks.

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Android is tailored for touch-centric mobile devices

Person using a Chromebook and smartphone

Even if your primary smartphone is a non-Android model, like the Apple iPhone 16e, chances are you’re at least somewhat familiar with Android and have used an Android-based device a few times. Unlike ChromeOS, which was developed for use with computers, Android is an operating system designed for smartphones and tablets. So it’s not too surprising that its interface is optimized for touch-based interaction, and it comes with many customization options. Android supports a wide range of apps available through the Google Play Store, covering everything from communication to entertainment.

While there’s no arguing that Android devices do excel when it comes to portability and app diversity, you may find them lacking when compared with the productivity features that ChromeOS offers. For example, Android’s file management and multitasking capabilities don’t come close to the desktop-like environment on ChromeOS devices. That doesn’t make Android worse; it’s just that Android prioritizes different things.

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Since it was designed with mobile devices in mind, it focuses on the intuitive touch interactions that make smartphones and tablets so easy to use. This is what makes Android ideal for on-the-go use, casual entertainment, and communication on smaller touch-based devices. On the other hand, ChromeOS looks and feels more like a traditional computer, with a taskbar and the ability to open apps in separate windows, which can make it easier to get work done.