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Android 15: Expected Release Date and Rumors
Even though all hopes were high that it would make an important announcement alongside the launch of the Pixel 9 series, Google didn’t release Android 15. The release timeline, however, was shared by the company, and it looks very similar to what happened with Android 13 and Android 14.
Testing of Android 15 is currently at its beta stage. Google released Beta 4 on July 18 which could be an indication of the nearing release of the final version. This stage is very vital in the testing and rolling out of the software for the fixing of issues before it reaches the general public.
Beta Testing and Device Compatibility
The latest beta of Android 15 is now available for Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, the Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold devices. The new version is available for manual download by users on their devices. Moreover, once the final release is made, it will support the new Pixel 9 series.
The reason for this, in the case of users with incompatible devices, is that Google has another way: the emulator through Android Studio. Through the Android emulator, the Android OS is simulated so that a user can even test Android 15 without having a real device. It is also available on other OEM models such as Samsung, OnePlus, Nothing, OPPO, Xiaomi, and HONOR.
Timeline of Final Release
In fact, with the release of Beta 4 last July, when the platform was already considered stable, a full launch can actually happen very soon—perhaps even next month. Of course, there is no official statement from Google on which month it will be, but looking at the pattern, it could also turn out to be similar to how Android releases were previously done. For example, Android 14 was released alongside the Pixel 8 series.
It’s likely that, since the Pixel 9 came out this year on August 13 packing Android 14, Android 15 will be a bit later. We can expect Android 15 stable update by the end of this year and bring new features and improvements to compatible devices.
Nothing has released a new Nothing OS 3.1 update for its latest smartphones, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. The update comes with the build number Asteroids-V3.1-250417-1222-IND and is around 115 MB in size. It brings several new features, camera improvements, and overall system enhancements.
New Features Introduced
One of the major highlights of this update is support for 4K video recording using the telephoto camera. This will help users capture videos with sharper details.
Another big feature is Private Space, a new secure zone that can be accessed by swiping right in the app drawer. It allows users to keep private apps and data safely tucked away. To make it even more secure, users can now set separate passwords for App Locker and Private Space.
The update also adds a Hotspot Manager feature, which shows all the connected devices and lets users manage them easily.
Camera Improvements
The camera system has received some great enhancements. Selfies are now clearer with improved face details and more natural skin tones. Photos taken at night, especially under streetlights, now have better image quality.
Users can now apply filters to 50MP high-resolution images, which adds more flexibility while editing. The telephoto camera also performs better in low-light conditions, with improved brightness and reduced flickering.
System and Security Enhancements
This update includes the April 2025 Android security patch, which brings important security fixes to keep your device safe from potential threats. Along with that, general bug fixes and system stability improvements have been made to enhance the overall user experience.
Essential Space App Update
Along with the system update, the Essential Space app has also received an update through the Google Play Store. The new version allows users to edit reminders, provides faster analysis, and improves app stability. Users are advised to check the Play Store and update the app to enjoy these new changes.
Nothing has released the April 2025 update for the CMF Phone 1, bringing several improvements and bug fixes under Nothing OS 3.0. This update is similar to the one received by the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus but includes a few minor differences.
How to Update
Nothing didn’t send any notification about this update, so users will need to check manually.
To do this, go to:
Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update
The update is 203 MB in size and takes around 12 minutes to install. After updating, the software version remains Nothing OS 3.0, but the build number is now Tetris-V3.0-250409-1734.
- Android Security Patch: 1st April 2025
- Google Play System Update: 1st March 2025
Nothing Gallery Mentioned, But Still Not Default
The update notes mention “Introducing Nothing Gallery,” but the app has not been set as the default gallery. Even after disabling Google Photos, the system still doesn’t open Nothing Gallery by default, just like on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
However, the gallery has recently been updated via the Play Store, adding a search bar with categories like Nature, Transport, and Human, but that change is unrelated to this system update.
Long Press to Clear All Recent Apps
A feature to quickly clear recent apps is mentioned again. Now, you can long press in the recent apps menu and swipe up to clear all apps at once.
This feature was already available through an earlier update to the Nothing Launcher, but it’s now officially included in the system.
Unlock Vibration Now Follows Touch Feedback Setting
Before this update, the phone gave vibration feedback during unlocking, even if Touch Feedback was turned off. This issue is now fixed.
You can find the option in:
Settings > Sound & Vibration > Vibration > Touch Feedback
Now, if Touch Feedback is disabled, there will be no vibration when unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor.
Improved Pop-Up View Design
The pop-up view design has been slightly optimized.
Buttons like minimize and close are placed more clearly, and the navigation bar has returned in the pop-up mode.
You can also resize and reposition the pop-up window more easily now. These improvements are minor but help enhance usability.
Fixed Slow Data Network Switching
In rare cases, switching between mobile data networks on dual SIM phones was slow.
This issue has now been fixed, although most users may not have noticed the problem earlier.
Lock Screen Widget Transfer Support
A new feature allows lock screen widgets to be transferred when moving your data to another Nothing device, like the upcoming Nothing Phone 3. This makes switching to a new phone smoother and keeps your lock screen settings intact.
Emergency Dialing Bug Fixed
In some rare cases, emergency dialing didn’t work correctly.
Nothing has now fixed this issue, although most users may not have experienced it.
System Stability and Performance
The update also includes general system stability improvements.
While some users noticed minor lags right after the update, the phone returns to normal performance after a short time. Further testing using benchmark apps may give a clearer picture of performance changes.
Final Thoughts
The April update for the CMF Phone 1 brings several small but important improvements. While Nothing Gallery is still not the default app, other updates like the unlock vibration fix, pop-up view design, and data network switching fix make the phone more reliable.
If you own the CMF Phone 1, this update is worth installing for a smoother and more stable experience.
Nothing has released a new software update for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. This update is part of the Nothing OS 3.0 (April version). It brings new features, security improvements, and important fixes that make the phone more secure and stable.
How to Get the Update
The company has not sent any notification for this update. So, users must check for it manually.
To do this, go to:
Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update.
The update size is about 211 MB. It includes the April 1, 2025 Android security patch, and the Google Play system update is dated March 1, 2025.
Power Off Verification Added
One of the biggest changes in this update is the Power Off Verification feature.
When this setting is turned on, your phone will ask for a PIN before someone can turn it off while it is locked. This is a useful feature to help protect your phone if it is lost or stolen.
To enable it, go to:
Settings > Security & Privacy > More Security Settings, and search for “Power Off Verify”.
Unlock Vibration Now Works Properly
Before this update, the phone still gave a vibration while unlocking, even if the Touch Feedback setting was turned off.
Now, this has been fixed. If touch feedback is off, the phone will not vibrate during unlock. This makes the experience more consistent and as per your settings.
Small Changes in Pop-Up View Design
The Pop-Up View has received some small visual improvements.
The minimize and close buttons look better, and you can now reposition the pop-up window more easily.
There is also a navigation bar added for better control, which was already seen in other recent updates.
Nothing Gallery Mentioned (But No Big Changes)
The changelog mentions “Introducing Nothing Gallery,” but users have reported that the app has not changed much.
There is a small update in the video seek bar, but the Nothing Gallery still doesn’t become the default app when Google Photos is disabled. So, this may not be a completely new feature for now.
Long Press to Clear All Apps
Now, in the recent apps menu, you can long press and swipe up to quickly clear all apps.
This feature was actually available earlier through a launcher update, but it has now been officially mentioned in the system update notes.
Emergency Dialing Issue Fixed
In rare cases, some users had trouble using the emergency dialer in certain areas. The April update fixes this issue to make sure the emergency call function works properly at all times.
System Stability and Performance Improved
Nothing also claims that this update improves the overall system stability and performance of the phone. So far, users report that the phone is running smoothly after the update, with no major bugs or issues.
Final Thoughts
The April 2025 update for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus may not look big from the outside, but it brings important security and usability upgrades.
The Power Off PIN protection, unlock vibration fix, and system stability improvements make it a helpful update.
If you own this phone, it’s a good idea to install the update and enjoy the smoother and more secure experience.