Nothing
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 (Android 15) Now Available for Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Nothing has announced the release of Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 for its Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, marking the next step in their innovative software journey. Based on Android 15, this beta update is now available for download and promises a host of new features and improvements. The update size is 1.7 GB, and the build number is PacmanPro-V3.0-241126-1448-IND.
Release Overview
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 is designed to provide users with early access to the latest features while also collecting valuable feedback to fine-tune the software. However, as this is a beta version, users should be prepared for potential bugs and are encouraged to share their suggestions.
Key Features in Nothing OS 3.0
1. Shared Widgets
- Stay Connected: Share widgets with friends and family directly on your home screen. Interact with them through reactions for a more personalized experience. (Currently limited to Photo Widgets.)
2. Lock Screen Upgrades
- Customisation Page: Access by long-pressing the lock screen or through the Customisation menu.
- Enhanced Clock Faces: Choose from a variety of styles.
- Expanded Widget Space: Add more widgets to your lock screen for improved functionality.
3. AI-Powered Smart Drawer
- Automated Organisation: Automatically sorts apps into categories for better accessibility.
- Pinned Apps: Keep your favorite apps at the top of your app drawer for quick access.
4. Revamped Quick Settings
- Redesigned interface for easier customisation.
- Improved visuals in Network & Internet and Bluetooth settings.
5. Camera Enhancements
- Faster Launch: Quicker access via the Camera Widget.
- Improved HDR: Reduced scene processing time.
- UI Refinements: Smoother countdown photo interface and better zoom slider display.
6. Multi-Tasking with Pop-Up View
- Resizable: Drag to resize or pin pop-up windows for efficiency.
- Quick Notifications: Swipe down on incoming notifications to access the pop-up view.
7. General Improvements
- AI App Prioritisation: Frequently used apps are now easier to access.
- Auto-Archive: Frees up space by automatically managing unused data.
- Partial Screen Sharing: Share only specific app windows for enhanced privacy during screen recording.
- Updated Setup Wizard: A smoother onboarding experience for new users.
- Predictive Back Animation: Available for apps that support this feature.
- New Animations: Enjoy refreshed fingerprint and charging animations with Nothing’s signature dot-matrix design.
Important Notes
- Shared Widgets: Currently, this feature is supported only between Nothing devices. Expect further widget compatibility in future updates.
- As this is a beta release, some features may not work as expected. User feedback will help resolve these issues.
How to Update Nothing Phone (2a) Plus to Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta
To participate, ensure your Phone (2a) Plus is running Nothing OS version 2.6 (build number PacmanPro-U2.6-240924-2223 or PacmanPro-U2.6-241125-2243). Then, follow these steps:
- Download the APK provided by Nothing and install it.
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
- Tap Check for New Version and follow the instructions.
It will take 20-25 minutes for the installation. So have patience while updating.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 demonstrates Nothing’s commitment to innovation and user feedback. By introducing features like Shared Widgets, enhanced Lock Screen options, and AI-driven app organisation, Nothing is setting a high bar for Android customisation. While this beta provides a glimpse into the future of Nothing OS, users are encouraged to report any issues to help refine the final version.
Are you ready to explore Android 15 on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus? Share your thoughts on the update!
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.