Nothing
Nothing Phone (2) Receives Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 is now available for users of the Nothing Phone (2). This latest software release by Nothing brings a range of new features and improvements, allowing users to experience Android 15’s capabilities firsthand.
This announcement was made through Nothing’s community forum, which also revealed that Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 will receive the Android 15-based update next month. Here’s everything you need to know about the new beta version, including its features, installation instructions, and potential issues.
What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1?
The Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 introduces several exciting features aimed at enhancing user experience, including:
1. Shared Widgets
- Users can now connect with friends and family through shared widgets. This feature allows others’ widgets to appear on your home screen, letting you stay connected and react to each other’s updates right from your device.
2. Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
- The lock screen has been upgraded with a new customization page, accessible by long-pressing on the screen. Users can select from updated clock styles and enjoy expanded widget space, making it easier to display more information right from the lock screen.
3. AI-Powered Smart Drawer
- The AI-driven Smart Drawer can now automatically organize apps into folders based on category. Additionally, users can pin their favorite apps at the top of the drawer for faster access.
4. Quick Settings and Visual Updates
- The Quick Settings menu has a refreshed design with an easier editing process. The Settings app also features an improved widget library, along with visual updates in sections like Network & Internet and Bluetooth.
5. Camera Improvements
- The camera experience is enhanced with faster launch speeds, reduced HDR processing times, and optimized portrait effects. Low-light performance is improved, and the zoom slider now has a more user-friendly display.
6. Enhanced Pop-Up View for Multitasking
- Users can now move and resize the pop-up view for easier multitasking. This feature allows notifications to be viewed without leaving the current app, providing a cleaner and more efficient experience.
7. Additional Improvements
- Other notable updates include a new auto-archive function to free up storage space, partial screen sharing for improved privacy, and updates to the fingerprint and charging animations with the signature Nothing dot-matrix styling.
How to Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 on Nothing Phone (2)
To get the new beta version, follow these steps:
- Pre-requisite: Ensure your Nothing Phone (2) is updated to Nothing OS version 2.6, with build number Pong-U2.6-241016-1700.
- Download the APK: Update to Beta Version APK
- Install the APK: Open the downloaded file and install it.
- Start the Update:
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
- Tap on “Check for new version” and follow the prompts.
Important Note: This is a beta version, meaning it may contain bugs that could affect the device’s performance or user experience. It’s recommended to back up your data before installing, as a factory reset may be required.
Expected Timeline for Stable Release
Nothing has not specified an official date for the stable release of Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0. However, with continued testing and feedback from beta users, the final stable version is expected by December 2024.
Future Updates for Other Nothing Devices
In addition to the Phone (2), Nothing has confirmed that other devices, including the Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1, will receive the Android 15-based beta update in December 2024.
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 offers a substantial set of upgrades for Nothing Phone (2) users eager to experience new Android features. From enhanced widgets and an AI-powered Smart Drawer to improved camera functionality, this update brings both usability and aesthetic improvements. However, as with all beta software, users should be cautious of potential bugs and back up their data before installation.
The popular dialer app N-Dial, known for its clean and minimal interface, is now getting a major update called the Nimbus Update. This app is developed by Hearthborn Studios and is inspired by the design of Nothing OS. While it’s not officially made by Nothing, it delivers a similar user experience and has already gained popularity, with over 100,000 downloads on the Play Store.
The new Nimbus update brings a fresh redesign across the app. The Lock Screen and Recent Calls section now shows your call history in a better-organized way. It displays calls based on “Today”, “Yesterday”, and older days, making it easier to check when and how often you’ve contacted someone. Compared to the older version, the layout is much cleaner and more modern.
The Dial Pad has also been updated. Users can now easily add a contact using the new “+” button, make a call, or delete entered numbers smoothly by long-pressing the delete icon. The animations are much better, and the overall design feels refined and user-friendly.
In the Contact Book, you can swipe between sections or tap to navigate. A small animation plays when you scroll through contacts, adding a smooth touch. If a contact doesn’t have a profile picture, the app now displays a stylish Phoenix icon to represent the user. Adding a new contact is simple, with options for first name, last name, phone number, email, birthday, and profile photo. You can also mark any contact as a favorite directly from this section.
One of the most exciting parts of the update is the Favorites section, which introduces a new Album View. This allows you to swipe through your favorite contacts like flipping through a photo album. You can also switch to Grid View for a compact look. While swiping isn’t available in Grid View, the layout is still smooth and works well.
The update also adds quick actions. Long-pressing a contact now brings up a pop-up with options to delete, mark as favorite, share the contact as a VCF file, send a text message, or make a call. You can even select multiple contacts at once to delete, share, or block them quickly.
Another useful feature is detailed call information. By tapping on a contact, users can now see the entire call history with them, including the time, date, and call duration. It’s a helpful improvement for people who want to keep track of their communication.
The current version of the app is in beta and has been shared with a few testers. According to the developers, even more features are on the way. These include a redesigned calling screen, support for Light Mode (in addition to the existing Dark Mode), and new font styles such as the one used in Nothing OS (“Dot Font”).
You can also try out the previous version of N-Dail from the Play Store.
As for the official release, the developers have shared that the final N-Dial Nimbus update may be released around June or July 2025. Since the team is small, the update may take a bit more time, but users are excited about the changes already seen in the beta version.
CMF by Nothing has officially announced the launch of its next smartphone, the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which will be unveiled on Monday, April 28 at 6:30 PM. Along with the phone, the company is also expected to introduce three new wireless earbuds — CMF Buds 2, CMF Buds 2a, and CMF Buds 2 Plus.
What’s interesting is that there has been no mention of the regular CMF Phone 2 so far. This has raised questions about whether the standard version is being skipped this year and if the company is only focusing on the Pro model for now.
Expected Specs and Pricing for CMF Phone 2 Pro
According to early leaks and rumors, the CMF Phone 2 Pro could feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 2,500 nits brightness, offering a bright and smooth viewing experience. The phone is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor, paired with up to 8GB RAM (LPDDR4X) and 256GB storage (UFS 2.2).
In terms of battery life, the phone might come with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 50W fast charging, allowing users to charge their phone quickly. It is also expected to run on Nothing OS 3.1, based on the latest Android 15, bringing a clean and minimal software experience. Additionally, the device could have an IP64 rating, which offers basic protection against dust and water. Another new addition could be an Essential Key Button, allowing users to assign extra functions for quick access.
For photography, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may come with a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP additional sensor on the back. On the front, it might feature a 16MP selfie camera, which should be good for selfies and video calls.
Design-wise, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is expected to follow CMF’s bold and colorful design language. It could feature a matte-finish opaque back panel, with some customizable elements and a horizontal triple-camera layout, making it look stylish and unique.
As for pricing, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is expected to be priced at Rs 17,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version and Rs 19,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. These prices make it a strong competitor in the mid-range smartphone segment.
More details will be revealed at the official launch event. Stay tuned for full specifications, hands-on impressions, and availability information.
CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand of London-based tech company Nothing, is preparing to launch its next smartphone – the CMF Phone 2 – in India. This comes after the success of the first CMF Phone, which gained popularity for its design and value.
Recently, the company shared the first teaser on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Titled “In search of the perfect shot,” the teaser shows the back of the phone, hinting at a better camera setup than before.
Now, they have posted another teaser on their X handle saying, “A new finish. Textured, tactile, different. More to come.” In the teaser, we can see the CMF Phone 2 in a light green color, with the CMF by Nothing logo shining and the speaker grill visible. The phone also appears to be slimmer than before.
What We Know So Far
A leaked design render suggests that the CMF Phone 2 may have a triple camera setup on the back. While this isn’t confirmed, it has created excitement among fans.
According to early leaks and rumors, the CMF Phone 2 could come with the following features:
- 6.3-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 2,500 nits brightness
- MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor
- Up to 8GB RAM (LPDDR4X) and 256GB storage (UFS 2.2)
- 5,000mAh battery with 50W fast charging
- Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15
- IP64 rating for dust and water resistance
- A new Essential Key Button for extra functions
Camera Details (Expected)
On the camera side, the CMF Phone 2 is expected to include:
- 50MP main camera
- 8MP ultra-wide lens
- 2MP additional sensor
- 16MP front camera for selfies
Design and Look
The design is expected to keep CMF’s bold and colorful style. It may have a matte-finish opaque back panel, customizable parts, and a horizontal triple-camera layout.
Expected Price in India
The price of the CMF Phone 2 is expected to be:
- Rs 17,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version
- Rs 19,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage version
Nothing has not officially confirmed the launch date yet, but the teasers suggest that the phone could arrive soon.