OnePlus 2 gets a manual camera mode with OxygenOS software update

OnePlus has announced the release of OxygenOS 2.1.0, an update to its mobile operating system seen on the OnePlus 2, which adds a brand new manual camera mode to the software. According to an official blog post on the subject, the software is being sent out to a select few owners at the moment, with a wider launch expected to start from September 22.

The addition of a manual camera mode puts the OnePlus 2 — on which OxygenOS is installed as standard — in a small group of smartphones that provide this unusual feature, most notably placing it alongside the LG G4. We’ve seen some impressive results from the G4 using the manual mode, and it could be exactly what’s needed to make the OnePlus 2’s camera shine.

However, OnePlus hasn’t shared any details about what you’ll be able to tweak using the camera mode, or by how much. OnePlus already gave the camera a good start, with a laser autofocus, dual-LED flash, and 13 megapixels to play with, but the software wasn’t particularly strong. The company doesn’t say it has overhauled the camera app, but does state it’s a ‘sizable update full of bug fixes and improvements,’ so we’re quietly hopeful. The update also adds RAW file support for selected third-party camera apps.

The changes aren’t all to do with the camera. Version 2.1.0 also brings Exchange support to OxygenOS, plus a new color balance slider can adjust the color tone of the display, so you can tailor it to your preference. OnePlus has also tweaked the software to remove incompatibility problems with a few apps, and sped up the time it takes to reconnect to the network after turning off airplane mode.

OxygenOS 2.1.0 is only for the OnePlus 2 smartphone, and for now, there’s no information on whether OxygenOS for the OnePlus One will receive a similar update.