Technologies

Your OnePlus 13 Will Get a Dedicated AI ‘Mind Space’ in Update Rolling Out Now

I played with OnePlus’ flagship AI feature. It worked well, and it’s heading to some phones imminently.

It’s a non-negotiable right now that every phone-maker out there must have a plan for integrating AI into its devices. OnePlus is a little late to the party, but it’s arrived nonetheless. Back in May, the company announced plans for bringing its own vision of personalized AI to OnePlus phones, and from this week, it’s rolling out to the OnePlus 13 and 13R.

At a launch event in London earlier this year I not only got to see the first AI features to land on OnePlus phones in action, but also learn about what the company’s future plans are for bringing more complex and sophisticated AI features to its phones down the road.

With all Android phone-makers increasingly making use of best-in-class Qualcomm chips and relying on Google’s Gemini AI, having a strong AI strategy is one way they can set themselves apart from rivals. I was impressed with how far OnePlus seems to be thinking ahead and not rushing into going ham on AI. Its initial AI rollout will likely capture people’s attention, even if its ideas aren’t entirely original.

OnePlus’ statement AI tool is called Plus Mind, which can save, suggest, store and search based on what’s currently on your phone screen, ultimately depositing the details in an app OnePlus is calling «Mind Space.» Plus Mind can be activated at any time, either by a dedicated button (if your phone has one) or by a swipe-up gesture. If it spots details of an event or reservation, it will propose creating a calendar entry.

Mind Space is a place to «organize your fragmented memories,» said Arthur Lam, the company’s director of OxygenOS and AI strategy. This is a hub where all of your most important content will live. AI search will allow you to find what you need without the information overload you may be used to, or it will automatically translate content into another language to make it accessible and searchable.

Plus Mind will debut with the upcoming launch of the OnePlus 13S, a phone designed specifically for the Asian market, which comes with a dedicated AI button (the «Plus Key,» as OnePlus is calling it) on the side of the phone. That means for those of us in the US and Europe, we’ll have to wait a little longer to enjoy OnePlus’ vision for AI ourselves. It will eventually be rolling out to the OnePlus 13 as an over-the-air update later this year, although the company is yet to confirm exactly when.

Plus Mind and Mind Space: My first impressions

On the OnePlus 13, which shipped before the addition of the Plus Key, you instead have to use a three-fingered swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to activate the AI features. When I tested this in person, it was hit or miss as to whether I could get it to work. There’s definitely a knack to it — you need to start from a couple of centimeters above the lower rim — and there’s a high chance of accidentally displacing what’s on the screen.

It’s clear that OnePlus designed Plus Mind to be used with a dedicated button, and no doubt all future OnePlus phones will feature a Plus Key of their own. It is a shame in retrospect, though, that the key is missing from its most widely available 2025 flagship phone.

After using Plus Mind to save a variety of content, I had mixed opinions on how useful it was. The process of capturing and creating events out of details displayed on screen was seamless, and I found that I was able to use natural language within Mind Space to pull up the details of these events after the fact. But when saving articles I thought were interesting, Mind Space wasn’t able to provide a summary of the entirety of what I’d been reading — only of the specific text that was on screen at the time I activated Plus Mind.

I also struggled to organise the content into collections within Mind Space. This is a manual process, rather than a situation in which the AI takes over to categorize everything you’ve saved. This feels a little like a missed opportunity.

Like other Android phone-makers, OnePlus has the benefit of tapping into the best of Google’s Gemini phone tools, while also choosing what additional features it wants to bring to its phones to make them stand apart from its competitors. That said, its initial foray into AI with Mind Space is bound to draw comparisons to what Nothing is doing with Essential Space — its own dedicated hub for saving content, snippets, links and reminders.

What’s next for OnePlus AI?

Plus Mind and Mind Space are just the first part of OnePlus’ three-stage AI strategy. Next up is integrating a large language model into Plus Mind, allowing your phone to understand your habits to create a «persona» it uses to understand you.

«It will help you understand yourself,» said Lam, and could even help you discover something «surprising» or «enlightening» about yourself.

Stage 3 is when OnePlus plans to go full AI agent, turning into a personal assistant that can know everything about you. But the company’s not quite there just yet. In the meantime it has a few other ideas in the pipeline.

Coming first to India (again, not the EU or the US), are AI VoiceScribe, which will provide you with a quick summary after your call on WhatsApp, Snapchat or Telegram, and AI Call Assistant, which provides you with in-call translation in both text and voice.

On the more playful side, OnePlus is introducing two AI photo tools. The first, AI Best Face 2.0, will allow you to correct the faces of up 20 people in a group photo so that everyone is looking their best (if they have their eyes closed, for example, or what OnePlus describes as a «suboptimal expression»). AI Reframe, meanwhile, will analyze your carelessly shot holiday snaps and suggest creative cropping and framing to make it look like you weren’t three cocktails deep when you shot them.

These photo features will come to OnePlus phones this summer, beginning this week, but for the major OnePlus AI tool rollout, you might have to wait a little longer.

Technologies

The Apple Watch Series 10 Is Hands-Down My Favorite Smartwatch, and It’s 24% Off Right Now

This sleek smartwatch is a CNET Editors’ Choice Award winner — and I’ll never go anywhere without it.

I’ve tested dozens of smartwatches over the years, and whenever I’m done with a review, I like to go bare-wristed for a few days to give myself a break. But after wrapping up my review of the Apple Watch Series 10, I noticed something totally unexpected: For the first time ever, I didn’t want to take the device off.

I’ve always been on the lookout for a hybrid watch that strikes the right balance between a traditional wristwatch and a smartwatch. Plenty of wearables over the years have promised just that, like the Withings Scanwatch range. The Series 10, which tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025 and is a CNET Editors’ Choice Award winner, strikes the ideal balance for me because it doesn’t compromise on connectivity, fitness tracking features or the overall look.

That’s because of the LTPO 3 technology that lets the screen refresh at 1Hz and gives the Series 10 a ticking second hand on a few watch faces, even when the display isn’t actively being used. It makes Apple’s device feel like a regular watch when I’m not actively using it, which is different from any other smartwatch I’ve tested.

I like being able to change up the look by switching between the Reflections watch face, with its sweeping «analog» second hand, and Activity Digital, with its digital seconds counter. I wish there were more watch faces that supported this ticking second hand. There is Flux, but I’ve found myself siding with Redditors who think it’s kind of goofy. (If you’ve found a color combination that makes it feel less comical, let me know!)

The ticking second hand isn’t just an aesthetic choice, or for the times when I’m anxiously checking to make sure I’m not too early for my next meeting. It’s also practical for folks in different professions, like health care workers who need to have a second hand even after the display times out.

SMARTWATCH DEALS OF THE WEEK

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm, Black, M/L Sports Band):

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (Wi-Fi, LTE, 47mm, Titanium Silver):

$500 (save $150)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

More than the ticking second hand, it’s the display itself

I was skeptical that the Series 10’s wide-angle OLED display would make that much difference to the viewing experience. Apple says it’s up to 40% brighter than earlier watch displays when you’re looking at it off-axis. So of course I had to compare it to every other Apple Watch in my review cabinet, including the Series 9.

When using my eyes alone I’m not able to quantify how much brighter it appears as a percentage, there’s no question the Series 10 is easier to see and looks brighter than other Apple Watch models with the same watch face.

The Series 10 doesn’t have the same battery life or rugged construction, but I miss its display when I have to switch to the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Series 10 specs

Case sizes: 42mm, 46mm
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Screen: LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display
Refresh rate: 1Hz
Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits
Water resistance: Up to 50m

Why I never want to take it off

It’s not just the display that’s made it hard for me to remove the Series 10 from my wrist. There’s almost every health and fitness tracking feature I could want, from a range of cycling tools to sleep apnea notifications, which is part of the reason this watch tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025.

Then there’s WatchOS 11, which brings helpful safety tools like Check In to my wrist, so I no longer have to manually send the «I’m home!» message to friends and family. If only it worked with recipients who don’t use iMessage: I truly hope Apple will add compatibility for RCS messaging for this indispensable safety tool, just like FaceTime works on Android through a web link.

I now understand what people mean when they say they feel naked when they leave their house without their phones. Except for me, it’s a watch.

The Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity is normally listed at $499, but you can get one for as much as $119 off right now, so it’s a great time to snatch one up for yourself or to give as a gift. Prices vary quite a bit depending on case size, finish and band type, so be sure to click around to see all your options, and double-check the price of your selected configuration before finalizing your purchase. If you’re looking for more gift ideas, don’t miss our favorite tech gifts under $100.

Impulse Buys Under $25 on Amazon That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts

+17 More

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Technologies

The Beats Studio Pro Headphones Shocked Me by Becoming an Essential Part of My Everyday Life

I was surprised by how often I started reaching for these over-ear headphones, thanks to their surprising comfort and sound quality. Right now, most colors are on sale for $300, a $50 discount.

It all started when my beloved Apple AirPods just stopped working one day. No matter what I did, attempting to charge and revive them, they simply would not turn on, and I had to finally accept that they’d had a good run, and it was time to put them to rest. RIP.

That put me in a tricky predicament, though. I use headphones at least 4 to 5 hours a day, and I desperately needed new ones immediately. I knew I was due for an upgrade, but the AirPods weren’t on sale at the time. But coincidentally, the Beats Studio Pro were.

I didn’t expect to fall in love with a pair of headphones so quickly, especially because I loved my Apple buds so much. I was just hoping for solid noise cancellation and good sound quality, but the Beats delivered so much more — and now they’re an essential part of my daily routine, practically an extension of my ears. Like I said, I get a lot of mileage out of them every single day. Whether I’m writing, commuting, doing chores or taking my precious pup out for a walk, the Beats Studio Pro are there with me. And now, most colors are $50 off on Amazon.

HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK

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Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

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Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$300 (save $51)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones (Black):

$299 (save $151)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e ANC Over-Ear Headphones (Black):

$220 (save $180)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Here’s how the Beats Studio Pro work

Let’s start with the specs. The Beats Studio Pro are premium over-ear headphones that bring serious upgrades to the iconic Beats design. Think of these as the grown-up, more refined cousin of the Beats Solo series. They’re still stylish, still punchy, but with significantly better sound quality and comfort. Here are some key features of the Beats Studio Pro:

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: Two core features that let you tune out the world or stay aware, depending on your mood. The ANC is excellent, especially for this price, and it’s great for navigating travel, open offices or city streets.
USB-C Lossless Audio: A game-changer for audiophiles. With USB-C, you can listen to lossless audio directly from your device — no compression, just crystal-clear sound.
Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking: This creates an immersive, surround-sound-like experience.
Custom 40mm drivers: Deliver balanced sound, with punchy bass, crisp mids and smooth highs.
Battery: Up to 40 hours with ANC off or 24 hours with it turned on. That’s more than enough to get you through several workdays or even a full international flight without scrambling for a charger.
Built-in microphones and voice-targeting beamforming tech: Translation: your voice will sound clear on calls, even in a noisy space.

They also pair effortlessly with both Apple and Android devices, thanks to support for Find My, Google Fast Pair and one-touch pairing.

CNET audio expert David Carnoy closely reviewed these earphones and found both the sound quality and voice-calling performance impressive.

«The noise canceling is quite effective,» Carnoy wrote in his review. «It’s the adaptive variety, so it’s not a fixed setting, and occasionally I’d hear it shift in strength as it adjusted to the ambient noise around me, whether I was on the subway or walking the streets of New York.»

Why I’m obsessed with my Beats

There are plenty of great headphones out there. So what sets these apart for me?

First and foremost, I love the comfort. I’ve worn lots of over-ear headphones that start to ache or feel heavy after an hour or so. I also have several ear piercings — five in my left ear and three in my right — and that means many over-ear headphones push the earring into my skin, digging in until it’s quite painful.

Not these. The earcups are plush, the clamping force is just right, and the memory foam actually makes a difference. I can wear them for hours without fatigue, which is saying something when you log four to five hours a day in them.

The sound quality is also great. Beats used to have a reputation for overly bass-heavy tuning, but the Studio Pro strikes a beautiful balance. There’s still that satisfying low-end thump when I’m listening to pop, hip hop or K-pop, but it doesn’t overpower the vocals or mids. Whether I’m streaming Hozier for the umpteenth hour, catching up on podcasts or listening to a new audiobook, everything sounds great.

Finally, the ANC and Transparency Mode are shockingly good. I’ve used my Beats in loud coffeeshops, on airplanes and while vacuuming, and they efficiently block out noise like a champ. But when I need to hear what’s going on (like when I run into one of my neighbors while I’m walking my dog), a quick button press switches me into Transparency Mode, and I can hear them clearly. It’s seamless.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention their style. Frankly, they just look cool. I know that’s not the most important thing, but the sleek matte finish, the minimalist design and the range of colors make these headphones feel like a fashion accessory as much as a tech device. I have the «Earth» color headphones, and they look so gorgeous with any outfit. My one request, though, (Beats execs, I’m sure you’re reading this!) would be to make these in a sage green color. Pretty please?

They’d make a great gift for any audiophile

Buying tech for someone else can be tricky, but I think the Beats Studio Pro are a pretty safe bet for anyone for a few reasons.

For one, they work across platforms, so it doesn’t matter if your gift recipient is team iPhone or Android. The intuitive pairing process, native device integration and wide compatibility make these user-friendly for just about anyone.

They’re also great for all types of use cases. Daily commuters? Check. Frequent flyers? Definitely. College students pulling all-nighters, or music lovers who want to hear every nuance of a track? Absolutely. These can suit really any type of person, day in and day out.

The Beats just feel premium, too. This is the kind of gift someone might not splurge on for themselves, but they would certainly be grateful to open up these Beats, no matter the occasion. If you’re shopping for a summer birthday or anniversary, these are a hit waiting to happen.

Why this Beats deal matters

Let’s get down to numbers. The Beats Studio Pro normally retail for $350 or $450, depending on the color you select. That’s pretty pricey. But right now, most colors are marked down to about $300.

I keep a pretty close eye on tech deals, and huge discounts don’t come around often, especially on newer, high-demand models. That means I don’t expect a much bigger sale on this product anytime soon. Considering the quality, durability and features packed into these headphones, you’re getting a lot for your investment, including flagship-level ANC, excellent sound and cross-platform support for less than the cost of most premium earbuds.

My final thoughts on my Beats Studio Pro headphones

In a world full of flashy gadgets and fleeting trends, the Beats Studio Pro are the real deal. They’ve become an essential part of my everyday life, not because they’re trendy or hyped, but because they work. They’re reliable, comfortable and sound fantastic. If this discount puts them in your price range, it’s a great time to pull the trigger and buy them.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, July 16

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for July 16.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s Mini Crossword was pretty loopy, and it took me longer than usual. I was clueless about the Harry Potter clue for 1-Down. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.