OPPO recently unveiled ColorOS 14, the latest version of its Android-based operating system. ColorOS 14 brings a range of new features and updates focused on improving the overall user experience on OPPO smartphones. The global version of ColorOS 14 is being rolled out on select OPPO devices starting November 18, 2023.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at what’s new in ColorOS 14, its top features, eligible devices, release timeline, and more.
An Overview of ColorOS 14
ColorOS 14 is one of OPPO’s most significant software updates in years. It focuses on three core areas – smoothness, security, and productivity. The update aims to offer faster and smoother performance along with new customization options, intelligent features, enhanced privacy and security controls.
According to OPPO, ColorOS 14 is the result of over three years of research and development involving multiple beta tests. It incorporates learnings and feedback from over 300 million users of OPPO devices running ColorOS.
Some of the highlights of ColorOS 14 include:
- An optimized UI design for smoother animations and transitions
- Enhanced Always-On Display with more customization options
- New Meeting Assistant and Multi-Screen Connect features
- New Home Screen widgets like a Google Search bar
- Major security and privacy upgrades
- Optimized gaming and connectivity experiences
- Intelligent Air Gestures using the front camera
- Support for system-wide dark mode
- Breeno voice assistant with local commands and offline voice recognition
- And much more
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key features of the global version of ColorOS 14.
Key Features and Updates in ColorOS 14 Global Version
A Smoother and Faster User Experience
One of the focus areas of ColorOS 14 is delivering a smoother and lag-free interface. To achieve this, OPPO has worked on improvements at the system level, with a claimed 32% increase in fluency using Quantum Animation Engine 4.0.
The new optimizations also ensure apps open swiftly and transitions are snappy. For instance, the average app cold start-up time has decreased by 41% compared to ColorOS 12 according to internal testing. The average latency of returning to the home screen is also reduced by 23% for a more responsive feel.
Gaming has also been smoothened out in ColorOS 14. The update brings Optimum Performance Mode which allocates more resources towards the game being played for higher FPS. The new HyperBoost GPA 4.0 Stabilizer aims to prevent frame rate fluctuations and offer sustained peak performance.
Enhanced Personalization Options
Customization has been one of the hallmarks of ColorOS. The latest version takes personalization a notch higher with more theme options, enriched wallpapers, and an improved Always-On Display.
Users can now customize the look and feel of the interface with two types of themes – Flow and Vibrant. There are also new wallpapers tailored for the AOD experience with support for portrait images.
The Always-On Display adds more customizable elements like different clock styles, new animations, and the ability to set real-time photos as the background.
Intelligent Features and Interactions
ColorOS 14 brings some smart new ways to interact with the device. Air Gestures allow controlling music, alarms, and incoming calls by waving your hand over the front camera without needing to touch the screen.
The Smart Always-On Display can now detect when you’re looking at the screen and show useful information like music titles, weather updates, or other notifications.
Meeting Assistant is a nifty productivity feature that helps block notifications during meetings and can share the meeting reminder with a click. There is also a new Meeting Assistant Plus mode in select markets that automatically generates meeting transcripts.
Other thoughtful touches in ColorOS 14 include the enhanced screencast experience and the ability to cast to multiple devices simultaneously with Multi-Screen Connect. Auto Pixelate can detect and blur sensitive information like passwords or cards in a screenshot before sharing.
Upgraded Privacy and Security
User privacy and data security have been given prime importance in ColorOS 14. The new Privacy Center gives users granular control over app permissions and tracks sensitive authorization requests. Apps can’t simply access your location, contacts, or camera without explicit approval.
Security has also been strengthened with features like App Lock which uses a passcode to block unauthorized access to apps containing sensitive information. The Nearby Wi-Fi feature alerts users when insecure public networks are detected to prevent potential cyber threats.
ColorOS 14 is also the first Android-based OS with support for spatial audio recording. Videos recorded on OPPO devices running ColorOS 14 display a watermark when played on other devices to prevent unauthorized access.
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The system performs real-time analysis to detect malware and warn users about unsafe links. The dual security system offers bank-level encryption for Private Safe.
Extended Support for Google Apps and Services
The global version of ColorOS 14 focuses heavily on improved integration with Google’s suite of apps and services.
Users can now access a Google Search bar right on the home screen. Google Assistant also has deeper integration with Breeno, OPPO’s native voice assistant.
There is built-in support for translating foreign languages using Google Lens and scanning and digitizing text with Google Read-out-Loud. The Smart SMS feature automatically sorts messages into categories like personal, bank, delivery etc.
OPPO Relax 2.0 is the upgraded digital wellbeing mode that works seamlessly with Google’s Digital Wellbeing. Overall, ColorOS 14 aims to blend the best of Google’s apps and services with its stack of custom features.
Phased Rollout Timeline
The global rollout of ColorOS 14 has already started on November 18, 2022, beginning with the Find X5 Pro and Find X5 smartphones. Here are the regions where Find X5 series devices can get ColorOS 14:
- Australia: November 24, 2022
- Indonesia: November 29, 2022
- Malaysia: November 30, 2022
- Thailand: December 7, 2022
- Vietnam: December 13, 2022
- France: December 2, 2022
- United Kingdom: December 5, 2022
- Spain: December 7, 2022
In 2023, the update will make its way to additional OPPO devices like the Reno 8 series, Reno 7 series, F21 Pro and A96 handsets. The full global rollout across eligible devices is expected to be completed by Q1 2023.
List of OPPO Devices Getting ColorOS 14
Here are the OPPO smartphones that are slated to get the ColorOS 14 update globally:
- Find X5 Pro
- Find X5
- Find X3 Pro
- Reno 8 Pro 5G
- Reno 8 5G
- Reno 7 Pro 5G
- Reno 7 5G
- F21 Pro 5G
- F19 Pro+ 5G
- A96
- A76
- K10 5G
- K9 5G
The release will vary across models depending on region and market. For instance, the Reno 7 series has already received ColorOS 14 in China but awaits the update in global markets.
Final Thoughts
ColorOS 14 represents one of OPPO’s most ambitious updates in recent years. It brings meaningful enhancements across the board in terms of visual design, features, performance, personalization, security, and overall system quality.
For OPPO users, ColorOS 14 promises a smoother and smarter user experience. It has the potential to rival software offerings from the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi and Realme.
With a slew of smart features like Air Gestures, Meeting Assistant, and Multi-Screen Connect, ColorOS 14 succeeds in differentiating itself from stock Android. The focus on privacy, security, and Google ecosystem integration are particularly welcome moves.
While the full rollout will take a few months, the global unveiling is a significant milestone for OPPO. ColorOS continues to mature with each release and OPPO seems to be striking the right balance between a customized interface and Vanilla Android. Existing OPPO phone owners have a major update to look forward to in the coming months.
FAQs About OPPO ColorOS 14 Global Version
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When will my OPPO phone get ColorOS 14 update?
The rollout timeline varies across different models but has already started on November 18, 2022 with the Find X5 series. Most OPPO smartphones should receive ColorOS 14 by the first half of 2023.
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What are the top new features in ColorOS 14?
Some major additions include Air Gestures, Meeting Assistant, Multi-Screen Connect, Always-On Display enhancements, Quantum Animation Engine, Optimum Performance Mode for gaming, and many customization options.
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Does ColorOS 14 have a dark mode?
Yes, ColorOS 14 supports a system-wide dark mode that can be enabled for the entire UI or based on a custom schedule.
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Will my device get all the ColorOS 14 features?
The experience may vary slightly depending on model. For instance, Air Gestures is limited to select models with the appropriate motion-sensing hardware. But majority of software features will be present.
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Is ColorOS 14 based on Android 13?
ColorOS 14 comes with Android 13 out of the box on new devices like Find X5 Pro. Older models will be updated from Android 12 to ColorOS 14 and Android 13.
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How is ColorOS 14 different from ColorOS 13?
ColorOS 14 brings far more refinements and improvements compared to ColorOS 13. The focus is on smoother performance, smarter productivity features, and modern UI customizations like themes.
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Does ColorOS 14 have Google apps and services?
Yes, the global version of ColorOS 14 is integrated with key Google apps and services like Search, Assistant, Read-out-Loud, Digital Wellbeing, and more.
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Will my OPPO phone get 3 major OS updates?
OPPO guarantees 3 major Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates for selected models like the Find X5 Pro and ColorOS 14 further solidifies this commitment.