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.
Nothing
Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta Released: New AI Features, Design Changes, and Android 16 Enhancements
Nothing has started rolling out the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta update for its smartphones. The update is now available not only for the latest Nothing Phone (3) but also for Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus. This is a major software release, built on Android 16, and comes with several new features, design tweaks, and performance improvements.
The update size is about 2.65 GB for Phone (3), and since this is an open beta, users are advised to take a backup before installing. The beta program will remain open until October 14, 2025, after which the stable release is expected in November or December.
How to Join & install Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta
Follow these steps to install the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta on your device:
Check Your Software Version
Make sure your device is on the latest stable build. Go to Settings → About phone → Banner and confirm you have one of the following versions installed:
Phone (3): Metroid-V3.5-250911-2112
Phone (2): Pong-V3.2-250917-1451
Phone (2a): Pacman-V3.2-250904-1648
Phone (2a) Plus: PacmanPro-V3.2-250904-1704
Download the Beta Updates Hub
Download the Beta Updates Hub APK from the official Nothing Community.
Install it from your Downloads folder.
Join the Beta Program
Go to Settings → System → Nothing Beta Hub.
Tap Join Beta to sign up.
After successful registration, tap Go to Update to upgrade.
Update to Nothing OS 4.0
If the update does not appear immediately, go to:
Settings → System → System updates → Check for updates.
You should then see the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta update available for download.
Key Features and Changes in Nothing OS 4.0
1. App Optimization
A new App Optimization feature automatically improves app startup speed and background performance. When enabled, the phone optimizes installed apps one by one. While this process may slightly heat up the device, it ensures smoother app launches.
2. New Pop-Up View for Multitasking
The pop-up view now supports two floating app icons, making it easier to switch between minimized apps. For example, users can quickly toggle between Twitter and Spotify with simple swipes.
3. Lock Screen Customization
Two new clock styles have been added to the lock screen. One is bold and clear, while the other uses a thinner font. This expands customization beyond the previous six clock faces.
4. Quick Settings Improvements
Quick Settings tiles now support a 2×2 square format, allowing larger tiles for easier access.
Other improvements include:
- New animations when toggling flashlight or Glyph Torch.
- Redesigned disable icons with red highlights.
- Swipe up/down to switch Bluetooth devices instead of left/right swipes.
- A direct Share button for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making QR sharing faster.
5. Extra Dark Mode
An Extra Dark Mode option is now available, providing deeper black shades for OLED screens. This is especially visible in system menus and About Phone pages. However, it is not fully implemented across all areas, such as Quick Settings.
6. AI Usage Dashboard
Nothing has added an AI Usage Dashboard inside the Intelligence Toolkit. It shows how often AI tools are used, including Essential Apps and Gemini integration.
- Currently, this feature is mainly supported on Phone (3) and upcoming Phone (3a) series.
- It displays usage statistics by day or week, along with model details.
7. Camera Improvements
- New Camera Preset: A “Stretch” filter created in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway has been added.
- Users can also import or create custom presets for unique photo styles.
- General camera stability has been improved for smoother shooting.
8. Essential Apps and Playground
One of the biggest highlights is Nothing Playground, a platform where users can:
- Create their own Essential Apps (widgets).
- Use community-created widgets like calculators, clocks, or even fun tools like Tic-Tac-Toe.
- Explore Camera Presets, Glyph Toys, and EQ Profiles made by other users.
This makes customization more powerful, giving every Nothing user a chance to add unique tools to their phone.
General System Improvements
Apart from new features, the update also brings:
- Always-On Display optimizations
- Better screen brightness control in different scenarios
- Enhanced Bluetooth stability and compatibility
- Improved Wi-Fi connectivity
- System stability and performance boosts
Benchmark results show smoother performance, though major visual changes are limited.
Availability for Other Devices
Currently, the update is live for Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus. The Phone (3a) and 3a Pro series will receive their open beta in October 2025 with additional exciting features.
Should You Update?
The Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta brings several useful features like app optimization, AI tools, lock screen customization, and dark mode improvements. However, it is not a massive redesign. Features like blur effects or major animation upgrades are still missing.
For regular users, it’s better to wait for the stable release. But if you enjoy testing new software and don’t mind small bugs, the beta version is worth trying.
This update shows that Nothing is focusing on AI, customization, and community-driven features, making their phones stand out in the Android ecosystem.
London-based tech company Nothing, led by co-founder and CEO Carl Pei, is making big plans for India. During his visit to the country, Pei met with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, to discuss the company’s future.
After the meeting, Pei shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Nothing will invest about $100 million (around Rs 860 crores) in India over the next three years. This investment will also create more than 1,800 new jobs. As part of the plan, Nothing is setting up a joint manufacturing venture with Optiemus, a well-known Indian electronics manufacturer.
What About CMF by Nothing, Nothing’s Sub-Brand?
Nothing also confirmed changes for its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF by Nothing. The company said CMF will now function as an independent subsidiary in India, with its global operations, R&D, and manufacturing shifting to the country.
Carl Pei called CMF a “success in India” and said the brand aims to become the first truly global smartphone brand from India. Optiemus Executive Chairman Ashok Gupta added that this collaboration reflects the strength of the Indian tech ecosystem and supports the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
What’s Next for Nothing?
Nothing has been growing rapidly, recently reaching a $1.3 billion valuation. The company also raised $200 million in a Series C funding round. Looking ahead, Nothing is preparing to enter the AI race next year, with plans to launch AI-powered devices designed to change how people use AI on their smartphones.
With this new investment and expansion, India is set to become a major hub for Nothing’s manufacturing, exports, and innovation.
Nothing has released a new software update for the Nothing Phone (3) this September. The update comes with the build number Nothing OS V3.5-250911-2112 and has a size of 280 MB. It brings multiple improvements to the camera, system performance, and overall user experience.
Camera Enhancements
The new update focuses heavily on improving the camera experience. The exposure slider is now smoother and easier to control, while a tint issue that caused unnatural colours has been fixed for more balanced results.
The AI SuperRes Zoom has also been updated, making text appear sharper. Action Mode now produces less noise, and third-party apps benefit from better camera clarity. Videos also look better with improved contrast, reduced haze, and more vibrant colours.
General Improvements and Fixes
Along with the camera, the update brings many system-level enhancements. The Glyph Matrix display for Always-on Glyph Toys now works better in multi-user mode. A bug that showed duplicated contact avatars in Essential Notifications has been fixed, and haptic feedback issues while previewing Generative mode have also been resolved.
For Arabic users, the title alignment in the “About phone” section has been improved. The Bluetooth device recording UI has been redesigned and can be found in Settings > Sound & Vibration.
The update also focuses on better performance—battery consumption has been optimised, heating issues in certain scenarios have been reduced, and Wi-Fi connectivity is now more stable. Overall system stability and speed have also been improved.
With this update, the Nothing Phone (3) promises a smoother performance and an improved camera setup, making it more reliable for daily use and photography. Users are advised to download the update for the best experience.