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HyperOS 2.0 Rumored to Scan for Hidden Cameras, Leaked Screenshots Show
There is a rumor that Xiaomi is on the verge of releasing an update for its Android skin and has dubbed it HyperOS 2.0. According to leaked information published by XiaomiTime, the new OS could come with a special function oriented toward enhancing user privacy—hidden cameras detection.
The feature is said to be named “Camera Scan,” and it will likely use WLAN signals to discover hidden cameras nearby. A leaked screenshot reveals that there is a very basic UI that offers to provide users with a one-click option to start scanning, with the prompt underlining an improvement in privacy and personal safety.
The details of the working principle of Camera Scan are not yet disclosed, but it is assumed to base on WLAN searches—like in some open-source projects available on GitHub.
It is expected to be released in October 2024. HyperOS 2.0 will represent the first anniversary since the launch of HyperOS 1.0. Other features that the update is predicted to come with are the ones related to improving device performance, strengthening connectivity between Xiaomi devices, and increasing options for customization other than camera detection.
It was introduced for the very first time on the Xiaomi 14 series last October in China, replacing quite the established MIUI system. It entered the Indian market through the Poco X6 Pro in January 2024 and further expanded to more devices like the Poco M4 Pro, C65, and M6 by Q2 this year.
If implemented, the camera detection feature in HyperOS 2.0 would rebrand privacy-focused features in smartphone OS at a time when personal privacy and security concerns are more strongly put forth than ever. However, how effective it would turn out to be in any real-world scenario remains to be seen.
Since most of the information being given out at this time is based on leaks and rumors, interest will lie in waiting for official confirmation from Xiaomi itself regarding the specific features and functionalities with HyperOS 2.0.
Smartphone startup Nothing is set to bring its next flagship device, the Nothing Phone (3), to the U.S. market. According to TechCrunch, the phone will be sold through Nothing’s official website and Amazon. The Phone (3) will be unveiled early next month at an event in London.
Nothing, founded in 2020, has launched eight phones so far. However, only the Phone (2) was widely available in the U.S. Previously, American customers had to join a beta program to buy a phone, and there was no after-sales support except for a 14-day return window.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing and co-founder of OnePlus, shared that this launch marks an important step for the company. “We have always said we are building for the long term, and now we’re ready to take that next step in the U.S. Phone (3) is not just another launch. It is a signal of where we are as a company,” Pei told TechCrunch. He added that the U.S. market is ready for something different as it is currently dominated by just two major brands.
Pei believes the Phone (3)’s unique design and features will appeal to customers looking for an alternative to Apple, Samsung, and Google. The new phone will support AT&T and T-Mobile networks with better 4G and 5G coverage than previous models like the Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1.
In Canada, Nothing will partner with Best Buy to sell the Phone (3) along with its first over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1).
The Phone (3) is expected to feature premium materials, faster performance, and upgraded software. The price is likely to be around £800 in the U.K., or about $1,000 in the U.S., putting it in competition with the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25+.
Research shows that Nothing’s 2024 shipments were in the low millions, with India being its biggest market.
OnePlus recently launched its powerful OnePlus Pad 3 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Now, a new rumor suggests that the company’s next tablet will be called the OnePlus Pad Lite.
According to the leak, the OnePlus Pad Lite will be powered by the Helio G100 processor. It will run on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15.0.1 on top. The tablet is said to feature an 11-inch Full HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which should provide smooth scrolling and better visuals.
Inside, the OnePlus Pad Lite will pack a large 9,340 mAh battery, although details about its charging speed are still unknown. The device is expected to come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Other memory options might be announced later.
For photography and video calls, the OnePlus Pad Lite will reportedly have two 5MP cameras—one on the front and one on the back. The tablet will be available in both cellular and Wi-Fi versions to suit different needs.
In terms of design, the OnePlus Pad Lite will weigh about 539 grams and measure 254.9 x 166.5 x 7.4 mm. The device is rumored to come in a stylish Aero Blue color. OnePlus is also expected to offer a matching folio cover that can be used as a kickstand.
So far, OnePlus has not officially confirmed any details about the OnePlus Pad Lite. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
Nothing has released a new update for the Nothing Phone (2). This update brings Nothing OS 3.0, but many users were expecting version 3.1 or 3.2. Still, the update brings some new features and improvements to the phone.
Update Details
- Update Size: 737 MB
- Build Number: Pong-V3.0-250506-1805-IND
- Android Security Patch: May 1, 2025
New Features and Improvements
1. Private Space
Nothing Phone (2) now gets the ‘Private Space’ feature. This allows users to hide apps, photos, files, and even use a private camera.
It uses a separate password and fingerprint from the phone’s main unlock method, giving extra privacy.
Apps added to Private Space won’t appear in the normal app drawer.
2. App Locker with Separate Password
You can now set a different password for locking apps. This is separate from the phone’s main lock screen password, giving better privacy for apps like Calculator, Facebook, etc.
3. Nothing Gallery (Still Basic)
Nothing mentioned improvements to the Nothing Gallery app, but users did not find any major changes. The gallery still lacks editing features, and Google Photos remains the default unless disabled.
4. Touch Feedback Settings for Face Unlock
Now users can disable the vibration feedback when using face unlock. This option is available inside the settings.
5. Smoother Animations
With the update, the app opening and closing animations have become much smoother. The launcher has been updated to version 3.2.2, making the phone feel faster and more fluid when switching apps.
6. Network and Wi-Fi Stability
Nothing has improved the stability of cellular networks and Wi-Fi connections. However, the ‘Hotspot Manager’ feature, which allows setting limits for connected devices, is still missing in Phone (2). It is only available in the Nothing Phone (2a).
7. Status Bar and Notification Center Improvements
Nothing has optimized the status bar icons and notification center for better performance and fewer bugs.
8. New Wallpapers
The update also brings new wallpapers from the Nothing Phone (3a) series.
No Major Camera Improvements
Although the Nothing camera app has been updated from version 15.1.00.03.17 to 15.1.00.03.19, users did not notice any big changes in photography or video quality. Nothing has not yet provided camera tuning or processing updates for Phone (2). These improvements may come later, possibly with the launch of the Nothing Phone (3).
Should you update?
The Nothing Phone (2) May update brings useful privacy features and smoother animations, but misses out on some features like Hotspot Manager and camera improvements. Still, it’s recommended to update your phone to enjoy the new privacy options and a better user experience.