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OxygenOS Open Beta 3 for the OnePlus 6 brings a Google Assistant shortcut and more
June 06, 2025
Despite being a part of the initialAndroid P Beta Program, OnePlus is still not ready to officially release the firmware update to theOnePlus 6. But in the meantime, the company is rolling out its thirdOxygenOS Open Beta updatethat brings with it a new Google Assistant shortcut on top of other stability and bug fixes.
OnePlus introduced agesture-based navigation systemwith the OnePlus 5T and kept it as an option on OnePlus 6. But by going this route, users lost access to the Google Assistant unless they only wanted to launch it using the “Ok Google” hotword.
But with Open Beta 3, the OnePlus 6 can now launch theGoogle Assistantor any other third-party assistants by pressing and holding the power button for 0.5 seconds. This probably isn’t the best solution as some users might accidentally lock their devices during this process, but it’s better than nothing.
Once the beta is installed, you can enable the feature by heading to Settings > Buttons & gestures and then toggling on Quick activate the assistant app.
OnePlus is also adding new functionality to its Parallel Apps and OnePlus Switch apps. First, Telegram, Discord, IMO, Uber, and OLA are now supported in Parallel Apps. Second, OnePlus Switch now offers a way to connect to older devices if the QR code doesn’t work, added the ability to backup and restore home screen, lock screen, and app layouts, and other various bug fixes.
Lastly, this beta update brings with it stability fixes for the fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and ambient display.
As always, remember that beta builds aren’t always the most stable. As such, OnePlus notes that some apps might not work as expected andGoogle Paystill doesn’t work in OxygenOS Open Beta 3.
If you already have a previous OxygenOS Open Beta build installed on your OnePlus 6, your phone will get the upgrade as an OTA update. If not, click on the button below to learn how to get the latest Android Pie beta onto your device.
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