What you need to know
- There is no announcement regarding the launch of the open beta of OS 3.0 (Android 15) for Phone 2a users.
- This update brings several changes and improvements to the lock screen, quick panel settings, camera, and more.
- Nothing CEO Karl Pei recently previewed the Android 15 update, showing off some of the design elements that will change and providing more details about its AI.
- Nothing OS 3.0 is scheduled for a “general” release in December.
Kickstarting the beta doesn’t start preparations for the larger Android 15 rollout later this year.
In a Newsroom post, the company detailed the launch of Nothing OS 3.0 (Android 15) open beta for all Phone 2a users. Nothing says that Phone 2a users need to make sure they have NOS version 2.6 installed to get started (Pacman-U2.6-240828_1906). Interested testers should download/install the required APK file and then go to the following link. Settings > System > Update to Beta.
Tap Check for new versions and complete the instructions to be looped in.
Nothing’s post states that through this “exclusive preview” of OS 3.0 (Android 15), users will find improved lock screen features. A long press on the lock screen will take you to the customization page. Users will find new watch faces and an expanded widget space with faster tools.
The Quick Settings panel on the Phone 2a’s home screen has been significantly overhauled. OS 3.0 brings a new “design with an optimized editing experience.” The widget library is expanded and some connection settings visuals are “updated” and appear blank.
Other highlights from the changelog include:
- Camera launch speed in camera widget is now faster.
- Reduced processing time for HDR scenes.
- Optimized the portrait effect by fine-tuning the blur strength based on face size.
- Improved camera performance in low light environments.
- Improved the display of the zoom slider.
- Added an AI-powered Smart Drawer feature that automatically sorts apps into folders. For better organization and easy access.
- You can pin your favorite apps to the top of the app drawer for great convenience. No need to scroll.
It doesn’t add anything that a “movable” popup view has been implemented to help you multitask better. This Android 15 open beta brings dot matrix animations for the fingerprint scanner, the ability to view information without leaving the app, and more.
Phone 2a users will receive an open beta of Nothing OS 3.0 today (October 8). Nothing Phone 2 will begin access in November, followed by Phone 1, CMF Phone 1, and Phone 2a Plus in December.
During the Ear (Open) announcement, Nothing CEO Carl Pei and other company members previewed the OS 3.0 update. Some of the main highlights in this video are about what’s being mentioned in today’s rollout, like customizing the lock screen and rebuilding the quick settings panel. The preview also gave us a glimpse of more Nothing’s AI for the gallery. But the company’s AI software likely has more in store, given that Pei has teased such things this year.
Nothing. The open beta of OS 3.0 starting in October is gearing up for a “general” release in December 2024.
great choice
The Nothing Phone 2a debuted earlier this year in April and quite frankly set a new standard for budget handsets. In addition to its attractive design, the Phone 2a has great battery life, powerful hardware, and a powerful camera.
