Newly released Nothing Phone (3) to receive Android version 16 within days, but with a significant condition attached

Newly released Nothing Phone (3) to receive Android version 16 within days, but with a significant condition attached

The tech company Nothing has announced the start of the closed beta for its upcoming operating system update, Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16. This update is set to bring a host of improvements, including faster updates, enhanced security, better visuals, and deeper customization for supported Nothing phones.

The closed beta for Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 will focus on "native features" and lay the foundation for a more cohesive UI moving forward. The update delivers core Android 16 improvements such as smarter notification controls with improved grouping.

One of the key expected features of Nothing OS 4.0 is the adoption of the new design language - Material 3 Expressive. This change is expected to bring a fresh look to UI elements across various apps, but the overall Nothing OS look remains consistent.

Other anticipated features include Advanced Protection Mode, which disables some features that can be exploited by attackers to enhance device security. There's also the Search in Photo Picker, allowing users to easily search their photo library within the picker UI, improving photo management.

Enhanced Predictive Back Gestures aim to improve the gesture animations and expand gesture support across more parts of the OS, making navigation smoother and more intuitive. Live Updates, similar to iOS Live Activities, will enable apps to update notifications dynamically, such as live updates for rides or food delivery. Nothing plans to incorporate this feature with the Phone 3’s unique Glyph Matrix.

Community-made Glyph Toys will expand customization through community-designed animations and effects tied to the Glyph Matrix lighting system on the Phone 3, leveraging the existing Glyph Developer Kit.

The Nothing Phone 3 will be the first device to receive this update, followed by models including Phone 2A, Phone 2, CMF Phone 1, and CMF Phone 2 Pro. Unfortunately, the original Phone 1 is not supported due to ended official support.

Participating in the closed beta requires signing up by the deadline of 3 August. However, users should be aware that the software is still in development, and the performance of the phone may suffer during the closed beta. Some parts of the closed beta software may not be finalised.

The update aims to establish a more cohesive and robust design system that will set the foundation for future UI improvements in Nothing OS. Users participating in the beta should expect early-stage development issues and are advised to back up their devices.

Carl Pei, the founder of Nothing, has confirmed that Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 will be coming "later this autumn". The closed beta is only for owners of the Nothing Phone 3.

[1] Nothing Blog Post [2] Android Central [3] TechRadar [4] Wareable [5] Engadget

1. The closed beta for Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is exclusively for the Nothing Phone 3, introducing features such as Material 3 Expressive design, Advanced Protection Mode, Search in Photo Picker, Enhanced Predictive Back Gestures, and Live Updates.
2. The forthcoming Nothing OS 4.0 update promises to deliver a more cohesive UI, offering improvements like smarter notification controls, a new design language, and Live Updates for a seamless user experience on supported gadgets like smartphones from Nothing.

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