OnePlus 11 Gets OxygenOS 15 Update with Android 15 in India: Key Features Unveiled

OnePlus has begun rolling out its latest Android 15-based operating system, OxygenOS 15, for OnePlus 11 users in India. The company announced the update via its community forum, highlighting several new features and improvements. This rollout comes shortly after the OnePlus Pad received the same update, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to keeping its devices updated with the latest software. OxygenOS 15 introduces a range of visual enhancements, including flux themes, luminous rendering effects, and smoother animations. Additionally, the update incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features like AI Reflections Eraser, AI Retouch, and AI Notes to enhance the user experience.

The OxygenOS 15 update is being rolled out in stages, with OnePlus 11 users in India being the first to receive it. According to the company, the update will expand to users in North America and Europe within the next three weeks. The rollout process ensures a stable experience for all users by addressing any unforeseen issues early on. The update comes with the build number CPH2447_15.0.0.201(EX01), and users are encouraged to check their device settings for availability.

One of the standout features of OxygenOS 15 is its advanced customisation options. Users can personalise flux themes using their own photos or system wallpapers. The always-on display, home screen, and lock screen now support new features like blurred wallpapers, clock colour blending, and glass textures. AI depth effects and AI auto-fills further enhance the overall aesthetic and usability of the interface. These upgrades are aimed at giving users more control over their device’s appearance while maintaining a sleek and modern design.

In addition to visual improvements, OxygenOS 15 includes several under-the-hood optimisations to improve system performance and stability. The AI-powered tools such as AI Retouch and AI Reflections Eraser are designed to assist users in editing photos effortlessly, while AI Notes introduces smarter organisation and search capabilities. Together, these features demonstrate OnePlus’s focus on combining cutting-edge AI technology with a seamless and visually appealing user interface. Users can look forward to a refined and feature-rich experience with this update.

Losses from Crypto Hacks Surge to $2.2 Billion in 2024, Report Shows

Funds stolen from cryptocurrency platforms by hackers surged by 21% in 2024, reaching a staggering $2.2 billion, according to a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which crypto heists have exceeded $1 billion, with the number of incidents rising to 303 from 282 in 2023. In comparison, hackers stole $1.8 billion last year.

Surge in Crypto Hack Incidents

The rise in hacking activity comes amid a significant increase in the value of bitcoin, which has jumped 140% this year, surpassing the $100,000 mark. This surge in value has attracted institutional participation and notable support, including backing from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. As the digital asset market expands, the report highlights that illicit activities, including hacking and fraud, have also risen in tandem.

Majority of Hacks Target Centralized Platforms

The report indicates that compromises to private keys, which control access to users’ crypto assets, accounted for the majority of stolen funds. Most of the hacks targeted centralized platforms, which are particularly vulnerable to such attacks.

Among the most significant hacks were the theft of over $305 million from Japan’s DMM Bitcoin exchange in May and the loss of $235 million from India’s WazirX exchange in July.

North Korea’s Role in Crypto Hacks

One of the most concerning findings in the report is the dramatic increase in crypto hacking linked to North Korea, which more than doubled from 2023 to a record $1.3 billion in 2024. Chainalysis suggests that cryptocurrency is used by North Korea to circumvent international sanctions, though the country routinely denies any involvement in such cyber crimes.

Outlook for 2025

With the rise in crypto-related crimes, experts from Chainalysis warned that addressing fraud and other illicit activities will be a major challenge for the industry moving into the new year.

 

Tech Mahindra Focuses on Expanding BFSI Segment to Close Gap with Larger Rivals

Tech Mahindra, India’s fifth-largest software services exporter, is intensifying its efforts in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector to bridge the revenue gap with its larger competitors. CEO Mohit Joshi, who took charge in December 2023 after two decades at Infosys, aims to increase the contribution of BFSI to Tech Mahindra’s total revenue from 16% to 25% by March 2027.

Focus on BFSI Expansion

Joshi acknowledges that while the company has historically relied on telecom clients for revenue, the BFSI sector represents a more lucrative and growing opportunity. India’s $254 billion IT sector sees some peers generate as much as a third of their revenue from BFSI, and Joshi intends to ensure Tech Mahindra captures a larger share of this market. “We still have a lot of room to catch up,” he noted.

Targeting Core Banking and Insurance Services

Tech Mahindra will focus on key segments within BFSI, including core banking, payments, asset and wealth management, custodian services, and insurance. These areas are among the largest technology spenders, with large banks spending over $10 billion annually on tech services, making it a crucial area of growth for Tech Mahindra. Joshi’s leadership has already strengthened the company’s BFSI division to tap into these opportunities.

Role of Generative AI in BFSI

Joshi views generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) as an enabler rather than a threat to the tech services sector. He believes that AI will increase the demand for technology services, especially in sectors like BFSI, rather than diminishing the need for developers. “GenAI is the best spokesperson for why we need more money to be spent on technology,” Joshi said, adding that the demand for developers will continue to grow due to the increased complexity of tasks.

Human Element in Customer Service

While some fear AI could replace human roles in customer service, Joshi remains skeptical about a widespread shift to AI-driven contact centers. He emphasized that for critical issues, customers will still prefer human interaction over AI solutions.