Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15, is now available in Open Beta for Phone 2a users, offering a sneak peek into the full version set for release in December. This update brings significant customizations, user interface (UI) improvements, camera upgrades, and much more. Let’s dive into the exciting features and changes coming with this beta version, along with the expected rollout schedule for other devices.
Key Highlights of Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1:
- Platform: Based on Android 15.
- Device: Initially available for Phone 2a, with other devices like Phone 2 and Phone 1 following soon.
- Focus Areas: Customization options, camera improvements, AI-powered smart drawer, and enhanced multitasking.
Features of Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1
1. Home Screen and Lock Screen Customization
One of the standout features of this update is the enhanced customization available for both the home and lock screens.
- Direct Customization: Users can now long-press the lock screen to instantly access customization options, simplifying the process of editing layouts.
- New Clock Faces & Widgets: Multiple clock face options, including unique fonts and layouts, allow for a more personalized look. There’s also an expanded widget space, letting users add more widgets to the lock screen.
- Customizable Typefaces: The update also adds flexibility in adjusting fonts and overall design layouts to better suit individual preferences.
2. AI-Powered Smart Drawer
Incorporating AI into the app drawer, Nothing OS 3.0 introduces a smart drawer that automatically categorizes apps based on their usage.
- Automatic App Organization: Apps are sorted into relevant categories, making it easier to find what you need.
- Pin Favorites: Users can also pin their most-used apps to the top of the drawer, providing even quicker access to essential tools and apps.
3. Camera Improvements
Nothing OS 3.0 brings several camera upgrades, focusing on both speed and quality.
- Faster Launch Speed: The camera app now launches quicker, especially when using the camera widget.
- Reduced HDR Processing Time: This ensures that HDR shots are captured and processed more efficiently.
- Low-Light Enhancements: Improved performance in low-light conditions, leading to clearer, more detailed images.
- Optimized Zoom Slider: The zoom slider has been redesigned for a smoother, more intuitive user experience.
4. Upgraded Multitasking and Pop-up View
Multitasking gets a boost with a more flexible pop-up view feature.
- Movable & Resizable: The pop-up view can now be moved around the screen and resized by dragging the corners.
- Pin Pop-Up View: You can pin the pop-up to the edge of the screen for easy access while multitasking.
- Quick Access via Notifications: Swipe down on incoming notifications to open apps in the pop-up view, without interrupting your current task.
5. Fingerprint Animation and Dot-Matrix Theme
The fingerprint unlock animation has been revamped to match Nothing’s signature dot-matrix design. This offers a smoother and more cohesive aesthetic.
6. Auto-Archive Functionality
Storage management becomes easier with the new auto-archive feature.
- Free Up Space: This feature automatically frees up space without deleting apps or user data. It’s designed to optimize device storage usage over time.
7. Partial Screen Sharing
Nothing OS 3.0 allows users to record or share just part of their screen rather than the entire display, making screen sharing more focused and efficient.
- App-Specific Recording: Users can choose to capture only the app they are using, leaving the rest of the screen private.
8. Setup Wizard 3.0
The updated setup wizard ensures a smoother onboarding process for users, making it easier to get started with Nothing OS 3.0.
9. Predictive Back Animations
With predictive back animations, the UI anticipates user actions and provides smoother transitions when navigating apps that have opted into this feature.
Release Timeline for Other Devices
While the Phone 2a is the first to receive the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta, other devices will follow suit in the coming months. Here’s the expected release schedule:
| Device | Open Beta Release Date |
|---|---|
| Phone 2a | October 2024 (Now available) |
| Phone 2 | November 2024 |
| Phone 1 | December 2024 |
| Phone 2a Plus | December 2024 |
| CMF Phone 1 | December 2024 |
The finalized version of Nothing OS 3.0 is expected to roll out to all eligible devices starting in December 2024, following this timeline.
How to Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta on Phone 2a
If you’re eager to try out Nothing OS 3.0 on your Phone 2a, follow these simple steps to install the beta version:
- Ensure Your Device is Updated: First, ensure your Phone 2a is running the latest version of Nothing OS 2.6 with the build number Pacman-U2.6-240828_1906.
- Download the APK: Visit the official Nothing community page and download the necessary APK file to your device.
- Install the APK: From your downloads folder, install the APK file.
- Go to Settings: Navigate to Settings > System > Update to Beta version.
- Check for Update: Tap on Check for new version and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.
- Reboot and Enjoy: Once the installation is complete, your phone may reboot. After rebooting, you’ll be running Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta.
How to Rollback to Nothing OS 2.6
If you encounter issues and wish to revert to Nothing OS 2.6, you can follow these steps:
- Download Rollback Package: Download the rollback build for Nothing OS 2.6 from the official site.
- Import the File: Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version and tap Import file.
- Follow the Prompts: Select the rollback package and follow the prompts to complete the rollback.
- Reboot: Your device will reboot, and you will be back on the stable Nothing OS 2.6 version.
Conclusion
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 brings a range of exciting new features, from extensive customization options to AI-powered enhancements, improved camera performance, and streamlined multitasking. The beta is currently available for Phone 2a users, offering a glimpse of what’s to come when the full release rolls out in December.
Whether it’s the ability to categorize apps with the AI-powered smart drawer, or the expanded customization for the lock screen, Nothing OS 3.0 is shaping up to be the most feature-rich software update yet. Stay tuned for more updates as the beta progresses and becomes available for more devices.
