Nothing
Nothing OS 3.0 Android 15 Open Beta Released for Phone (2a)
Carl Pei’s tech company Nothing has announced the launch of its latest software update, Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 for its Nothing Phone (2a). The new update is based on Android 15, gives users a chance to try out new features and improvements before the official release planned for December 2024. It comes with many enhancements, including better customisation options, new widgets, and camera upgrades.
Nothing has announced in a community post that this Nothing OS 3.0 beta will also be available soon for other devices, such as the Phone (2), Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone (1), which are expected to receive the update by the end of the year.
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta Release Schedule
- Phone (2a): Available now
- Phone (2): November 2024
- Phone (1): December 2024
- Phone (2a) Plus: December 2024
- CMF Phone 1: December 2024
The update focuses heavily on customisation, especially for the home and lock screens. Users can now edit their lock screens by simply long-pressing the screen. The update also adds new clock faces, typefaces, and layouts to give users more options and personalise their devices.
One of the most standout features is the smart app drawer, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This AI-powered tool arranges apps into categories based on how often they are used and lets users to pin their most-used apps to the top for quicker access.
The update also focuses on improving the camera experience and several improvements can be seen too. These include faster HDR processing reduced launch time through the camera widget better performance in low-light situations and a more user-friendly zoom slider. Multi-tasking is also smoother now with a feature that lets users move and resize pop-up windows which can be pinned to the screen’s edge for easy access.
Nothing has also redesigned the fingerprint animation sticking to its dot-matrix design. Another useful feature is the new auto-archiving tool, which helps free up storage space without deleting important data or apps.
Still, there are some missing features which we have seen earlier in the Nothing OS 3.0 announcement video such as Nothing Gallery app with AI features, new charging animation, shared widgets and private space. These all features will be added in upcoming updates.
How to participate in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta – Phone (2a):
- Make sure you’ve installed NOS version 2.6 with the build number Pacman-U2.6-240828_1906.
- Download and install the provided APK from your downloads.
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version.
- Tap “Check for new version” and follow the instructions to begin.
The update size is 1.4 GB and it will take 10-15 minutes for the installation as you transition from Android 14 to Android 15 by installing Nothing OS 3.0 open beta on your device.
Edited by: Akash Ramsakha
Nothing is all set to launch its highly-anticipated Phone (3a) on March 4. The company has been teasing the phone, and the latest reveal confirms an exciting new feature—a dedicated camera button on the side. This button will allow users to quickly open the camera app and also function as a shutter button for taking photos and videos.
Improved Camera Performance
The Nothing Phone (3a) is expected to focus heavily on camera performance. It will come with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom—a first for the brand. Alongside the telephoto lens, the phone will feature a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, promising improved photography capabilities.
Expected Specifications
Rumors suggest that the Phone (3a) will have a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and pack a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
Leaked and Official Reveals
Recently, a leaked image showed the Nothing Phone (3a) with a protective case applied. While the full design remains a mystery, the new triple-camera setup was clearly visible. Later, Nothing officially confirmed the triple-camera design, along with slight changes to the Glyph LED lights on the back. However, the complete rear design of the phone has yet to be revealed.
With the launch just around the corner, more details are expected to surface soon.
A new update has started rolling out for the Nothing Wallpaper app, introducing exciting features and enhancements. The update brings new wallpapers inspired by Nothing OS 3.0 and the recently announced Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition.
Update Details:
- Size: 13 MB
- Version: 1.6.7
- Eligible Devices: All Nothing Phones and CMF smartphones running Nothing OS 3.0 (based on Android 15).
How to Update:
If the app hasn’t updated automatically, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap on your Profile.
- Navigate to Manage Apps and Device → Updates Available.
- Look for Nothing Wallpaper and tap Update.
For those who haven’t received the update yet, don’t worry. Updates are rolled out in stages, starting with beta testers to ensure any bugs are resolved before a wider release.
What’s New in Version Nothing Wallpaper 1.6.7
- New Wallpapers Added:
- Two wallpapers from Nothing OS 3.0.
- Six unique wallpapers from the Phone (2a) Community Edition.
- Improved Customisation Interface:
- Optimised wallpaper previews to ensure dynamic wallpapers look accurate.
- Bug Fixes:
- Resolved issues causing abnormal wallpaper display in certain scenarios.
- Fixed other known bugs for improved system reliability.
This update enhances the visual experience and ensures smoother performance. Be sure to check for the update and enjoy the fresh new look for your Nothing and CMF devices.
The January update for Nothing OS 3.0 is now rolling out for the Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a). This update focuses on general improvements, bug fixes, and the latest security patch for January 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the update.
Update Details
The update size varies between the two devices:
- Nothing Phone (2a): 263 MB
- Nothing Phone (2): 179 MB
What’s New in the Nothing OS 3.0 January Update
The latest update introduces several useful features and improvements:
- Torch Tile Enhancement: Users can now long-press the Torch tile in Quick Settings to activate the Glyph torch.
- Network Stability: Optimized network selection ensures a stronger and more stable connection.
- Quick Settings Optimization: Pulling down Quick Settings in landscape mode is now faster and more responsive.
- Security Patch: The update includes the latest January 2025 security patch to keep devices secure.
Bug Fixes
This update addresses multiple issues for a more reliable user experience:
- Glyph Improvements: Resolved abnormal Glyph effects that occurred in specific scenarios.
- Earbud Connectivity: Fixed issues with connected earbuds, improving performance and stability.
- System Stability: Enhanced overall system reliability for smoother performance.
Unmentioned Changes
Interestingly, Nothing did not mention smoother performance or improved animations in the official changelog. However, many users have reported these enhancements after installing the update. Additionally, some users have discovered new wallpapers on their devices, which were not highlighted in the update details.