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 Phone (3) Promises Long-Term Support with 5 Android Updates, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Announced
The Nothing Phone (3) is set to launch globally very soon, and the company has already started revealing key details about its new flagship. Recently, the company has confirmed that its processor will be the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The Phone (3) will bring several improvements over the Phone (2), making it Nothing’s most advanced smartphone so far.
One of the biggest highlights is the software support. The Nothing Phone (3) will come with 5 years of Major Android updates and 7 years of security patches. This makes it the first Nothing device to offer such long-term support. In comparison, the Phone (2) provided 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches.
On the hardware side, the Phone (3) will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, which is an upgrade over the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the Phone (2). The company says users can expect 88% better GPU performance, 33% better CPU performance, and a 125% boost in NPU performance compared to the Phone (2). The new chipset is also expected to offer better battery optimisation.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Akis Evangelidis, co-founder and Head of Marketing at Nothing, called the Phone (3) “our first true flagship and a major step up from Phone (2).” He also shared that the camera is getting a major upgrade. The Phone (3) will feature a Spectra 18-bit Triple ISP, which can separate and enhance different parts of an image in real time. This will improve detail, colour accuracy, and overall image quality.
The Nothing Phone (3) will be officially launched on July 1, and more details about the device are expected to be announced at that time.
Nothing
Nothing OS 3.2 June Update Rolling Out for Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1, and Nothing Phone (1)
Nothing has started rolling out the latest Nothing OS 3.2 June update for its Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1, and Nothing Phone (1). The update is based on Android 15 and brings new features, improvements, and bug fixes to enhance user experience.
New Features in the Update
One of the key highlights of this update is the introduction of Privacy Space. This feature lets users swipe right in the app drawer to quickly access a secure zone for private apps and files.
Users can also now set separate passwords for the App Locker and the new Privacy Space, adding an extra layer of security.
Another useful addition is the Hotspot Manager, which allows users to easily view and manage devices connected to their hotspot.
Improvements and Fixes
The update brings several fixes and improvements across the devices:
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Fixes for Bluetooth headphone sound issues during Telegram calls, better accessibility in apps, and improved face and fingerprint unlocking. It also includes the June security patch and improved system stability.
CMF Phone 1: Fixes for incorrect volume display on Bluetooth headphones, zoom bar issues in the camera app, better app accessibility, and improved unlocking reliability. The phone also gets the June security patch and stability improvements.
Nothing Phone (1): Fixes for the light strip display issue in Glyph Composer, an option to turn off face unlock vibration on the lock screen, and better app accessibility. General bug fixes, system stability improvements, and the June security patch are also included.
The Nothing OS 3.2 June update shows the company’s focus on improving security, accessibility, and overall device performance. If you own one of these devices, you can check for the update in your phone’s settings and enjoy the new features.
Smartphone startup Nothing is set to bring its next flagship device, the Nothing Phone (3), to the U.S. market. According to TechCrunch, the phone will be sold through Nothing’s official website and Amazon. The Phone (3) will be unveiled early next month at an event in London.
Nothing, founded in 2020, has launched eight phones so far. However, only the Phone (2) was widely available in the U.S. Previously, American customers had to join a beta program to buy a phone, and there was no after-sales support except for a 14-day return window.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing and co-founder of OnePlus, shared that this launch marks an important step for the company. “We have always said we are building for the long term, and now we’re ready to take that next step in the U.S. Phone (3) is not just another launch. It is a signal of where we are as a company,” Pei told TechCrunch. He added that the U.S. market is ready for something different as it is currently dominated by just two major brands.
Pei believes the Phone (3)’s unique design and features will appeal to customers looking for an alternative to Apple, Samsung, and Google. The new phone will support AT&T and T-Mobile networks with better 4G and 5G coverage than previous models like the Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1.
In Canada, Nothing will partner with Best Buy to sell the Phone (3) along with its first over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1).
The Phone (3) is expected to feature premium materials, faster performance, and upgraded software. The price is likely to be around £800 in the U.K., or about $1,000 in the U.S., putting it in competition with the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25+.
Research shows that Nothing’s 2024 shipments were in the low millions, with India being its biggest market.