Nothing
CMF Phone 1 gets Major Camera Update with Nothing OS 2.6
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has received an update to Nothing OS 2.6 but will still have the same version number but it will be updated to a new build number: Tetris-U2.6-2408132-2046-IND. The update size is 84.20 MB. It brings some enhancements and new features to improve the user experience.
Also included will be a new Community Widget, updating from the Nothing Community directly to users’ home screens. Added are a Pedometer and a new Battery widget, which can now be displayed right on the lock screen, so health statistics and battery status will be easier to see at a glance.
This also applies to camera functionality, which has equally witnessed several improvements. Overall, the CMF Phone 1 camera performance is enhanced, color accuracy improved on the back camera, and picture quality in dark areas is advanced by a robust HDR mode. Improvement has also been made on the front camera to light the face better in outdoor backlit conditions while portrait shots focus from the steady back camera.
General changes in this update include a stabilized Atmosphere Wallpaper Effect, which greatly improves the visual transition when returning to the home screen. Photo switching is smoother from Google Photos. A new feature where one is alerted with a vibration when answering calls in power-saving mode is introduced. It solves system lag when taking screenshots in certain apps and makes data icons and signal bars on the status bar more consistent.
Talking of security updates, the CMF Phone 1 already received the August 2024 Android security patch. It was released at the end of July.
Nothing OS 2.6 Changelog for CMF Phone 1:
New features:
- Introduced the Community Widget for all Nothing Community updates.
- Added option to show Pedometer and Battery Widgets on the lock screen.
Camera updates:
- Elevated overall camera performance.
- Refined color accuracy of back camera.
- Enhanced photo quality in dark areas with HDR mode on.
- Boosted front camera for better face lighting in backlit outdoor scenes.
- Steadied back camera focus for portrait shots.
General improvements:
- Stabilized Atmosphere Wallpaper Effect when returning to the home screen.
- Made photo switching smoother in Google Photos.
- Introduced vibration alert when answering calls in power saving mode.
- Resolved system lag when taking screenshots in certain apps.
- Affixed data icons and signal bars to the status bar.
London-based tech company Nothing, led by co-founder and CEO Carl Pei, is making big plans for India. During his visit to the country, Pei met with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, to discuss the company’s future.
After the meeting, Pei shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Nothing will invest about $100 million (around Rs 860 crores) in India over the next three years. This investment will also create more than 1,800 new jobs. As part of the plan, Nothing is setting up a joint manufacturing venture with Optiemus, a well-known Indian electronics manufacturer.
What About CMF by Nothing, Nothing’s Sub-Brand?
Nothing also confirmed changes for its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF by Nothing. The company said CMF will now function as an independent subsidiary in India, with its global operations, R&D, and manufacturing shifting to the country.
Carl Pei called CMF a “success in India” and said the brand aims to become the first truly global smartphone brand from India. Optiemus Executive Chairman Ashok Gupta added that this collaboration reflects the strength of the Indian tech ecosystem and supports the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
What’s Next for Nothing?
Nothing has been growing rapidly, recently reaching a $1.3 billion valuation. The company also raised $200 million in a Series C funding round. Looking ahead, Nothing is preparing to enter the AI race next year, with plans to launch AI-powered devices designed to change how people use AI on their smartphones.
With this new investment and expansion, India is set to become a major hub for Nothing’s manufacturing, exports, and innovation.
Nothing has released a new software update for the Nothing Phone (3) this September. The update comes with the build number Nothing OS V3.5-250911-2112 and has a size of 280 MB. It brings multiple improvements to the camera, system performance, and overall user experience.
Camera Enhancements
The new update focuses heavily on improving the camera experience. The exposure slider is now smoother and easier to control, while a tint issue that caused unnatural colours has been fixed for more balanced results.
The AI SuperRes Zoom has also been updated, making text appear sharper. Action Mode now produces less noise, and third-party apps benefit from better camera clarity. Videos also look better with improved contrast, reduced haze, and more vibrant colours.
General Improvements and Fixes
Along with the camera, the update brings many system-level enhancements. The Glyph Matrix display for Always-on Glyph Toys now works better in multi-user mode. A bug that showed duplicated contact avatars in Essential Notifications has been fixed, and haptic feedback issues while previewing Generative mode have also been resolved.
For Arabic users, the title alignment in the “About phone” section has been improved. The Bluetooth device recording UI has been redesigned and can be found in Settings > Sound & Vibration.
The update also focuses on better performance—battery consumption has been optimised, heating issues in certain scenarios have been reduced, and Wi-Fi connectivity is now more stable. Overall system stability and speed have also been improved.
With this update, the Nothing Phone (3) promises a smoother performance and an improved camera setup, making it more reliable for daily use and photography. Users are advised to download the update for the best experience.
Nothing has launched its latest true wireless earphones, the Nothing Ear (3). The new earbuds bring a fresh design, better sound, longer battery life, and an all-new Super Mic feature for clearer calls.
Improved Design with Aluminum
For the first time, the Ear (3) uses aluminum parts in its case, giving it a premium look while keeping the brand’s signature transparent design.
Super Mic for Clearer Calls
The highlight of the Ear (3) is the Super Mic system built into the case. It is a dual-mic setup that can reduce up to 95 dB of noise, activated with a new ‘Talk’ button. This feature improves call clarity and can also be used for recording voice notes on both Android and iOS.
Each earbud also has a three-mic system with bone-conduction technology for better voice pickup. The earbuds support adaptive noise cancellation up to 45 dB for an improved listening experience.
Better Sound and Features
The Ear (3) comes with 12mm dynamic drivers, tuned for stronger bass and a wider soundstage. It supports Spatial Audio (static) and audio codecs like AAC, SBC, and LDAC.
Other features include:
- Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device connection
- In-ear detection
- Low-lag mode
- Hi-Res certification
- IP54 rating for both earbuds and case
Battery Life and Charging
Each earbud has a 55 mAh battery, while the case houses a 500 mAh cell. With ANC on, the Ear (3) lasts up to 5.5 hours, and up to 10 hours without ANC. The charging case provides an extra 38 hours. The case also supports fast charging and wireless charging.
Price and Availability
The Nothing Ear (3) will be available in White and Black colors, priced at $179 / €179. Sales will begin on September 25. Currently, I have no idea when it will be coming to India.