Nothing
Stable Nothing OS 3.0 Update Released for Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a)
Nothing has officially rolled out the stable version of Nothing OS 3.0 for its Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a). This update is based on Android 15, brings a host of new features, design enhancements, and system improvements to enhance user experience. The update size is 1.65 GB for Phone (2) and 1.90 GB for Phone (2a), with the changelog being identical for both devices.
Nothing OS 3.0 Stable Update for Phone (2) and Phone (2a): Features & Improvements
One of the standout features in this update is the lock screen customisation. Users can now access a new lock screen customisation page by long-pressing on the lock screen or through the Customisation settings. This update introduces a range of Clock face styles to choose from and expands the widget space, allowing users to add more widgets directly to the lock screen.
The app drawer has also received a significant upgrade. An AI-powered Smart Drawer now automatically categorises apps into folders, making it easier to locate and organise them. Additionally, users can now pin their favourite apps to the top of the app drawer for quick and convenient access.
Multitasking has been made more seamless with improvements to the pop-up view. Users can now drag the pop-up view to any position on the screen and easily resize it by dragging the bottom corners. A new feature allows the pop-up view to be pinned to the screen edge for faster access. Furthermore, notifications can be swiped down to open directly in a pop-up view, enabling users to view information without leaving their current app. This feature can be enabled via Settings > Special features > Pop-up view.
The design of Nothing OS has been elevated with several visual and functional enhancements. The Quick Settings menu has been redesigned, offering a more intuitive editing experience for customising shortcuts. The widget library has also been revamped, allowing users to browse and select Nothing Widgets or third-party widgets with ease. Updates to the Settings UI now display current network and Bluetooth connections more clearly. Additionally, new Dot animations add a touch of elegance to fingerprint unlocking and charging visuals.
Other notable improvements include enhanced AI capabilities, which learn user habits and keep frequently used apps active for a smoother experience. The lock screen now provides improved charging status information, showing the charging speed at a glance. A new auto-archive feature helps free up storage space without removing apps or data. For screen recording, users can now enjoy partial screen sharing, enabling them to record specific app windows instead of the entire screen.
The update also includes a smoother onboarding experience with the setup wizard 3.0. Support for predictive back animations has been added for apps that have opted in, and the security patch has been updated to December, ensuring better device protection.
The stable Nothing OS 3.0 update is rolling out in phases and will be available to all eligible devices soon. Users are advised to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and ensure their device has sufficient battery before proceeding with the update. This update promises to deliver a refined and enhanced experience for Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a) users.
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.