OnePlus to Replace Iconic Alert Slider with Customizable Button
OnePlus, the popular smartphone manufacturer, has announced plans to replace its signature Alert Slider with a new configurable button. The news was revealed by CEO Pete Lau in a recent OnePlus community forum post, as reported by 9to5Google.
The Alert Slider, a staple feature on most OnePlus phones for the past decade, has allowed users to quickly switch between normal, mute, and vibrate-only modes. However, it was notably absent from the OnePlus 10T model, hinting at potential changes.
Lau explained the rationale behind this decision, describing the Alert Slider as a “huge piece of hardware” dedicated to a relatively simple function. The company aims to introduce a “smarter, customizable button” that will offer a more personalized experience for users.
The new button is designed to cater to both power users and those who prefer simplicity. It will retain the ability to switch sound profiles without waking the phone, while also offering additional customization options. However, specific details regarding which phones will feature the new button and the timeline for its release have not been disclosed.
This move by OnePlus bears similarities to Apple’s recent introduction of the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple’s version offers pre-set options and can run complex iOS Shortcut automation, suggesting a broader industry trend towards more versatile and multifunctional hardware buttons.
As smartphone manufacturers continue to innovate, the shift from dedicated function buttons to customizable alternatives may become more prevalent, offering users greater control over their device’s functionality.
