Nothing has officially rolled out the Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 open beta update for the Nothing Phone (1) and the Phone (2a) Plus. This update introduces a range of new features designed to improve customization, usability, and performance, showcasing Nothing’s focus on enhancing its software.
Update Now Available Across All Devices
With this release, Nothing has ensured that all its smartphones can access the latest software. Whether you use a Phone (2a) Plus or a Phone (1), updating to the beta version is simple. However, since this is a beta version, users are advised to back up their data before starting the update, as a factory reset might be required in case of any issues.
How to Get the Update
To update to Nothing OS 3.0 beta, ensure your device is running Nothing OS version 2.6. Once you download the required APK file (Phone 1 / Phone 2a Plus), follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
- Tap Check for new version and follow the instructions to complete the process.
Make sure your device build number matches the requirements for your model.
What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0?
Shared Widgets for Better Connectivity
The update introduces shared widgets, allowing users to share and interact with widgets from friends or family directly on their home screen. This adds a fun and unique way to stay connected.
Improved Lock Screen Options
Users can now access a lock screen customization page by long-pressing the lock screen. The update brings new clock styles, more widget space, and better options for personalizing the lock screen.
Smart Drawer for Organized Apps
A new AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically organizes apps into folders for easier access. Users can also pin their most-used apps at the top of the drawer for quicker navigation.
Updated Quick Settings and Camera Features
Quick Settings now have a refreshed design, making it easier to edit and access options. The camera gets significant improvements, including faster launch speeds, better HDR processing, enhanced portrait effects, and improved low-light performance.
Pop-Up View for Multitasking
The update makes multitasking easier with a movable pop-up view. Users can resize the view, pin it to the screen edge, and check notifications without switching apps. This feature can be enabled through Settings > System > Pop-Up View.
Other Key Improvements
- AI-Powered App Prioritization: Keeps frequently used apps within easy reach.
- Auto-Archive: Frees up storage without deleting apps.
- Partial Screen Sharing: Allows users to record only specific apps for better privacy.
- Updated Animations: Adds new fingerprint and charging animations with the brand’s signature design.
- Improved Setup Wizard: Makes the initial setup process smoother for new users.
Nothing OS 3.0 Official Update Changelog
Shared Widgets
● Use widgets to link up with friends and family. See another person’s widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with each other through reactions. A new way to stay connected.
Lock screen
● New lock screen customisation page. Access by long-pressing the lock screen.
● Upgraded clock faces. Choose your favourite style.
● Expanded widget space, allowing you to place more widgets on your lock screen.
Smart Drawer
● Added AI-powered Smart Drawer feature to automatically categorise your apps into folders. For better organisation and easy access.
● For ultimate convenience, you can pin your favourite apps to the top of the app drawer. No scrolling required.
Quick Settings
● Reconsidered Quick Settings design with an optimised editing experience.
● Enhanced widget library design.
● Updated visuals in Settings including better Network & Internet and Bluetooth options.
Camera improvements
● Faster camera launch speed under the Camera Widget.
● Reduced HDR scene processing time.
● Optimised portrait effects by fine-tuning blur intensity based on face size.
● Boosted camera performance in low-light environments.
● Improved zoom slider display.
Enhanced pop-up view
● Movable pop-up view for cleaner and more productive multi-tasking.
● Easily resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners.
● Pin the pop-up view on the screen edge for quick access.
● View information without leaving your current app. Simply swipe down on incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view. Enable via Settings > System > Pop-up view.
Other improvements
● AI-powered selection and prioritisation of your frequently used apps, keeping them at your fingertips for a more efficient experience
● Added support for auto-archive function to automatically free up storage space without removing apps or data from your device.
● Partial screen sharing for more efficient and secure screen recording. Record just an app window rather than the entire screen.
● Updated setup wizard to version 3.0 for the smoothest introduction to Nothing OS.
● Enabled predictive back animations for apps that have opted in.
● New fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling.
● New charging animation with signature dot matrix styling.
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