Nothing
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 Now Available for Nothing Phone (1) Users
Nothing has officially launched the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1, bringing Android 15’s features to the Nothing Phone (1). Starting today, December 13, users can download the update and explore the exciting new changes. However, this is still a beta version, so users may encounter some bugs. Nothing encourages feedback to help refine the software and enhance the overall experience.
The update is 1.2 GB, and the installation took 20-25 minutes to complete. It includes the November 2024 Android security patch.
What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 for Nothing Phone (1)
One of the standout features is Shared Widgets, a unique way to stay connected with loved ones. This feature allows users to display another person’s widgets on their home screen and interact through reactions. Currently, it supports only Nothing devices and Photo Widgets (square), but further updates are expected to expand its functionality.
The lock screen has also received significant upgrades. Users can now access a new customisation page by long-pressing the lock screen or through the settings menu. The update introduces redesigned clock faces and expands widget space, making the lock screen more personal and functional.
The Smart Drawer is another addition to Nothing OS 3.0, offering an AI-powered organisation system that automatically categorises apps into folders for easier access. Users can also pin their favourite apps to the top of the drawer, ensuring quick navigation without scrolling.
Quick Settings Panel have been refined with an optimised editing experience, making it easier to manage. The widget library and the Settings interface have been visually enhanced, particularly in sections like Network & Internet and Bluetooth. These changes aim to provide a cleaner and more user-friendly interface.
The camera experience has been improved as well. Users will notice faster camera launch speeds from the Camera Widget, reduced processing time for HDR scenes, and a smoother interface for countdown photos. Additionally, the zoom slider display has been refined for a more intuitive experience.
The pop-up view feature now supports easier resizing and movement, making multitasking cleaner and more productive. Users can pin pop-ups to the screen edge for quick access or view notifications directly in a pop-up window by swiping down, without leaving the current app.
Other enhancements include AI-powered app selection for quicker access to frequently used apps and an auto-archive function that frees up storage space without deleting data. Users can also enjoy partial screen sharing, allowing them to record or share only a specific app window instead of the entire screen. New animations for fingerprint and charging actions add a touch of Nothing’s signature dot matrix style.
How to Update
For users interested in trying the Open Beta, ensure that your device is running Nothing OS 2.6 with build number Spacewar-U2.6-241031-1818. Download the required APK, install it, and navigate to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version to check for the new version. If the update isn’t available yet, it may take some time to roll out.
As this is an early version, Nothing reminds users that bugs might occur, especially with features like Shared Widgets. Feedback can be submitted through Settings > System > Feedback, and users can join the discussion thread for community insights.
This Open Beta release reflects Nothing’s commitment to innovation and user experience. As the company works towards the final version, Nothing Phone (1) users can enjoy a sneak peek at what’s in store with Android 15.
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.
Suryakant parida
December 20, 2024 at 4:09 pm
3.0 update