OnePlus’s Chinese software, known as HydrogenOS, is receiving a rather interesting as part of the latest beta build. Called the slide-slip gesture, the feature works as a back button, but its ease of use is what makes it special.
OnePlus is usually associated with OxygenOS but that’s not the case in China. Since China uses different alternatives to Google services (which is banned), OnePlus introduced an alternate option i.e HydrogenOS that will deliver a similar Android experience without having to rely on Google.
But there is more to HydrogenOS, especially because it’s OnePlus’s tests system before they send out any update globally to devices running on OxygenOS.
The slide-slip gesture is also a part of the Android Q update that Google is preparing as the next version of Android. It’s already available as beta 4.
Given that the slide from side gesture is available in Android Q beta, and thus will be part of the stable Q release, we are surprised OnePlus is working on its own to introduce the feature.
Sure, it would get them good marketing if they do get to release the slide-slip feature on Android Pie, or simple before Google introduces it with Android Q, as being the first to do so, even though has already rolled out the feature in the Q beta.
The best thing about this, though is that if OnePlus makes the slide-slip part of Android Pie, then it means even the OnePlus 3 and 3T will get the feature as these two devices won’t receive Android Q update.
So, all in all, it’s worth for OnePlus to work on it and make it part of their HydrogenOS and OxygenOS 9.x build, which is based on Android Pie.
Check the slide-slip ‘back gesture’ in action in the video below. Jump to 3.30 minutes to quickly access it.
