Nothing has officially launched the open beta for its Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 on the Nothing Phone 2, following last month’s recent rollout for the Nothing Phone (2a). Users of the Nothing Phone (2) can expect an array of new features and performance improvements as Nothing aims to refine the OS ahead of its stable release, scheduled for December 2024.
To get the open beta, you must be running Nothing OS version 2.6 with build number Pong-U2.6-241016-1700. The new update has build number Pong-V3.0-241028-1925.
Changelogs of Nothing OS 3.0 update for Phone 2
The Nothing OS 3.0 update brings a suite of new features, including Shared Widgets that allow users to interact with friends and family directly through their home screen. The lock screen customization page has been revamped, offering new clock faces and additional space for widgets, letting users personalize and access key information easily. An AI-powered Smart Drawer now organizes apps into folders for better access and allows users to pin favorite apps to the top of the drawer, streamlining their home screen experience.
Other enhancements include a refined Quick Settings layout, faster camera launch speeds, and optimized HDR processing for photography. Multi-tasking is improved with a more versatile pop-up view that can be resized, moved, and accessed with a swipe for incoming notifications. Additionally, the update introduces an auto-archive function for freeing storage without removing data, partial screen sharing, and new animations for fingerprint recognition and charging, bringing Nothing’s signature style into every interaction.
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
- 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.
How to Download and Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Update on Nothing Phone 2?
If you own a Nothing Phone (2) and haven’t yet updated to Nothing OS 3.0, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device is updated to Nothing OS version 2.6, with build number Pong-U2.6-241016-1700.
- Download the Nothing Phone 2 Nothing OS 3.0 open beta APK and install it. This file is crucial for enabling the beta update option.
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version.
- Tap on “Check for new version,” and follow the steps on your device to install the update.
You can also download the firmware from below and manually install Nothing OS 3.0 on Phone 1.
- Download Nothing OS 3.0 OTA over Pong-U2.6-241016-1700: Download
By joining the Phone 2 Nothing OS 3.0 open beta, you’ll get an early look at the upcoming features in Nothing OS 3.0 and have the chance to provide feedback to improve the final release.
When Will the Stable Release Arrive?
Nothing has announced that the stable release of Nothing OS 3.0 for both the Nothing Phone (2) and (2a) is set for December 2024. This timeline provides a window for beta testing to iron out any issues and ensure a smooth rollout of the stable version to all users.
Stay tuned for further updates as Nothing fine-tunes its OS experience and rolls out additional features and enhancements.Nothing OS 3.0 update for Phone 2
