After the successful release of the Open Beta 1 for the Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 three weeks ago, Nothing has now rolled out the stable version of the update for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The update introduces several exciting features and improvements, offering users a more customizable and efficient smartphone experience. Here’s a look at the key updates and enhancements brought by the new OS.
Customization and New Features
Shared Widgets
One of the unique additions in the Nothing OS 3.0 update is the Shared Widgets feature, which allows users to connect with friends and family in a more interactive way. With this feature, widgets from another person’s device can be displayed on your home screen, allowing for seamless interaction through reactions and updates. It adds a personal touch to staying connected.
Lock Screen Customization
The update brings a completely new lock screen customization page, accessible by long-pressing the lock screen or via the Customization page. Users can now choose from a variety of new Clock face styles and make their lock screens more personal. Additionally, there is more space for widgets on the lock screen, giving users more control over their device’s interface.
New App Drawer Style
Nothing OS 3.0 introduces an AI-powered Smart Drawer, which automatically categorizes apps into folders, making it easier to find them and keeping the app drawer organized. Users can also pin their favourite apps to the top of the app drawer for quicker access.
Enhanced Pop-Up View and Multitasking
The update enhances the pop-up view of the Nothing Phone (2a) offering more flexibility for multitasking. Users can now drag the pop-up window to any position on the screen, resize it by dragging the bottom corners, or pin it to the screen’s edge for faster access. Additionally, swiping down on incoming notifications enables the pop-up view, allowing users to quickly view information without leaving the current app.
Elevated Design and UI Improvements
The design of Nothing OS 3.0 has been elevated with several UI enhancements, including a redesigned Quick Settings menu that provides an optimized editing experience, making it easier for users to tailor shortcuts according to their preferences. The widget library has also been revamped, giving users the choice of selecting from Nothing’s own widgets or browsing third-party ones.
Other visual enhancements include a new Dot animation for fingerprint unlocking and charging, as well as updated UI visuals in the Settings menu, where options like Network & Internet and Bluetooth now display the current connection for improved user clarity.
Performance and other fixes
The new update lets AI learn user habits, keeping top apps active for longer periods and boosting speed. It also upgrades the lock screen charge view, so users can see charge speed at a glance. The update adds auto-archive, freeing up space without deleting apps or data. Other new perks include partial screen share, so users can record just one app instead of the full screen and new back swipes for apps that work with it. The setup steps are now smoother with version 3.0.
The update boosts safety by adding the latest patch for December, making sure the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus stays safe. As the system works on the update, it is possible to experience short-term heat or higher power use. However, the device would go back to normal after the process. The stable OS 3.0 update is rolling out bit by bit, so it may take some time to reach all users.
