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 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.