Nothing
How to Enable and Use the Circle to Search Feature on Nothing Phones
The “Circle to Search” feature is not officially available on Nothing Phones yet, even with the Nothing OS 3.0 Beta based on Android 15. However, there’s a workaround using an app called MiCTS that enables this functionality on Nothing Phones.
What is Circle to Search?
“Circle to Search” is a Google feature that lets you search for information on your screen using gestures like circling, highlighting, or tapping. It’s useful for:
- Researching topics like restaurants or movies.
- Identifying objects, animals, or landmarks in videos.
- Learning about new things instantly from images or text.
How to Enable Circle to Search on Nothing Phones
You can use the MiCTS app to enable the Circle to Search feature on your Nothing Phone, whether it’s Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, or CMF Phone 1. Here’s how:
Step 1: Install the MiCTS App
- Download and install the MiCTS app on your Nothing Phone.
- The installation process is straightforward and works on Nothing OS 3.0 or earlier.
Step 2: Set Up Gesture for Easy Access
Since the app doesn’t work directly with screen gestures by default, you need to assign it to a shortcut:
- Go to Settings on your Nothing Phone.
- Navigate to Special Features → Gestures.
- Select Double Press Power Button and assign it to MiCTS.
Now, whenever you double-press the power button, the Circle to Search feature will be activated.
How the Official Circle to Search Works
Once officially rolled out with Android 15, Circle to Search can be activated on supported Android phones by:
- Long pressing the Home button (for 3-button navigation).
- Long pressing the navigation handle (for gesture navigation).
- Circling, highlighting, or tapping on the screen to search for relevant information.
Search results appear at the bottom of the screen, making it easy to learn more about:
- Videos, images, or texts.
- Landmarks, movies, or dog breeds.
- Homework topics and more.
For now, the MiCTS app is a great solution for Nothing Phone users who want to try this innovative feature.
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.