Nothing
CMF Phone 1 Gets Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta: Here’s What’s New
Nothing has launched the much-anticipated Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 for CMF Phone 1, marking a significant milestone in its software development journey. Starting December 10th, CMF Phone 1 users can explore a wide range of new features and improvements designed to enhance everyday use.
While this release offers a glimpse into the future of Nothing’s mobile ecosystem, it’s important to note that this version is not final. Users are encouraged to share their feedback, as it will help the team refine the software before its official stable release.
The update size is 1.4 GB, and the installation may take approximately 15-20 minutes. The OS version is 3.0, and the build number is Tetris-V3.0-241205-0050-IND.
CMF Phone 1 Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 Features
One of the standout additions is the introduction of Shared Widgets, a feature that lets you share select widgets with friends and family directly on your home screen. Currently, only photo widgets can be shared, but Nothing plans to support more widget types soon. Meanwhile, the Lock Screen receives a brand-new customization page, allowing easy changes to clock faces and an expanded widget space for greater personalization.
The new Smart Drawer uses AI to organize apps automatically, making it simpler to find what you need. You can even pin your favorite apps to the top for instant access. Additionally, Quick Settings has been redesigned for a cleaner look and smoother editing experience. Visual improvements have been made to Network, Internet, and Bluetooth options, along with an enhanced widget library.
Camera performance gets a boost as well. The Camera Widget now launches faster, HDR scenes process more quickly, and the zoom slider and countdown options feel more refined. Multitasking is also easier, thanks to a Pop-Up View that you can move, resize, and pin for quick access. Simply swipe down on incoming notifications to open them in a pop-up window without leaving your current app.
Beyond these headline features, there are numerous other enhancements. The system’s AI now prioritizes frequently used apps, helping you get to what matters most. The new auto-archive function can free up storage space without removing essential apps or data, while partial screen sharing lets you record only an app’s window for increased privacy. Predictive back animations, a dot matrix-inspired fingerprint animation, and updated charging animations further refine the user experience.
The NDot Font option, known for its unique dot matrix style, is now available in the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 for CMF Phone 1. This feature has been highly requested by the community, and its inclusion shows the brand’s commitment to meeting user demands. Enabling the NDot Font is simple—just go to Settings > Special Features > Experimental Features. With this fresh font style, users can give their device’s interface a distinctive look that sets it apart from the crowd.
How to Install
Before installing the beta, keep in mind there is currently no way to roll back to a stable build. This means that once you join the beta, you should be prepared to encounter potential bugs or minor issues. Nothing hopes to release a rollback package at a later date.
To install the beta, ensure your CMF Phone 1 is running Nothing OS 2.6 with one of the specified build numbers. After downloading and installing the required Beta APK, simply go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version and tap “Check for new version.”
As this is an open beta, Nothing welcomes feedback and suggestions. By participating, users have the unique opportunity to shape the evolution of Nothing OS. With the right input, the final release of Nothing OS 3.0 will deliver a polished, user-focused experience that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.
Nothing has released a new software update for its Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, bringing a range of improvements, new features, and bug fixes. The update has a size of 96.60 MB and aims to enhance the overall user experience, particularly in the camera department and system performance.
New Feature: Essential Key Integration with Camera
One of the key additions in this update is the integration of the Essential Key with the camera app. This feature allows users to interact with the camera more efficiently:
- A short press of the Essential Key lets users add notes directly.
- A long press activates voice input for capturing real-world content in a faster and more convenient way.
This update makes the Essential Key more useful, especially for those who frequently take notes or record voice memos on the go.
Camera Enhancements for Better Photography
The new update focuses heavily on improving the camera performance of both Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. Several enhancements have been made to deliver a better photography experience:
- More intuitive camera zoom interaction – Zooming is now smoother and more responsive.
- Fix for reddish skin tones in selfies – The front-facing camera now captures more natural skin tones.
- Enhanced white balance for indoor photography – Colors in indoor shots will now look more accurate and balanced.
- Improved clarity in portrait shots under backlight – Portrait photos taken in strong backlight conditions will have better detail and tone.
- Better focus accuracy at 2x zoom – This improvement is available only for Phone (3a) Pro, ensuring sharper and clearer images at 2x focal length.
- Faster overall camera performance – The camera app now responds quicker, making it easier to capture moments without lag.
These improvements aim to provide better image quality and a smoother camera experience, making the Nothing Phone (3a) series more reliable for photography.
Other System Improvements
Apart from camera upgrades, the update also includes refinements to system performance and user experience. Some of the key enhancements include:
- Optimized Essential Space – The Essential Space feature has been improved for smoother performance and better usability.
- Improved Always-On Display (AOD) animations – The transitions between different AOD states are now more fluid and visually appealing.
- Bug fixes and stability improvements – The update also includes various fixes to enhance overall system stability and reduce crashes or glitches.
Final Thoughts
With this update, Nothing continues to refine the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, delivering a better camera experience, improved usability, and system optimizations. If you own either of these devices, it’s recommended to install the update as soon as possible to enjoy the latest improvements.
Nothing India has announced an exciting opportunity for content creators to be part of its Community Review Program. This program allows selected participants to receive and review an upcoming Nothing product before its official release. Creators will be able to share their insights with the Nothing Community and on their social media platforms.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the program, you must be a resident of India and 18 years or older. Applicants should be passionate about Nothing and its products and eager to create product reviews through writing, photography, or videography.
Participants must also follow strict information security guidelines before the product is publicly released, which includes signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Additionally, selected participants are required to adhere to embargo dates and deadlines set by Nothing.
Terms & Conditions
Participation in the program is subject to the terms & conditions set by Nothing, which may change over time. Nothing has the sole discretion in selecting participants, and applying does not guarantee selection.
Review devices are provided on a loan basis and must be returned after the review period. Since the program is ongoing, Nothing may invite different participants at different times based on upcoming product releases.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the Nothing India Community Review Program, fill out the application form. Applications will remain open throughout the year.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, test new products, and engage with the Nothing Community before anyone else.
Nothing has officially confirmed a major camera update for its smartphones. CEO Carl Pei recently tweeted that new camera presets are coming to older Nothing phones, along with various improvements in camera tuning.
What’s New in the Camera Update?
- New Camera Presets: Users can create and customize their own camera presets, making photography more personalized.
- Existing Camera Presets: Presets such as Soft Focus, Black & White, Wide Angle, Lenticular, and Close-Up are available in Nothing OS 3.1 on the Phone (3a) Pro.
- Better Zoom Options: More zoom levels like 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 3x, and 6x will be available in the camera app.
- Optimized Camera Interface: The layout of camera settings has been improved for easier access.
- Improved Camera Tuning: Nothing has tested new camera tuning strategies on the Nothing Phone (3a) series and may bring these improvements to older devices.
Which Phones Will Get the Update?
The update is expected to roll out for:
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (1)
- CMF Phone 1
When Will the Update Arrive?
Carl Pei mentioned that the new camera improvements will be implemented if the feedback from the Nothing Phone (3a) series is positive. The update could be included in Nothing OS 3.2, expected in April 2025.
This update aims to provide a better photography experience for Nothing phone users.