Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta: All That You Need to Know About the New Update
The Future is Now:
Nothing officially unveiled nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, offering customers a thrilling early glimpse of the future of their innovative, minimalist operating system. Built on Android 16, this new software is chock-full of fresh features, speed upgrades, and a heavy emphasis on the company's new vision of AI.
If you're among the Nothing phone holders that qualify, this is the comprehensive guide to its features, qualified devices, and how to get access to this groundbreaking software.
New Functionality: New in Nothing OS 4.0?
Nothing OS 4.0 complies with the company's mantra of providing a distraction-free, pure Android experience but with a healthy infusion of AI and UX enhancements this time.
1. Transparency of AI & Apps of Essentials (Phone (3) Series Focus)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dashboard Usage: Available only on the Nothing Phone (3) and its Essential Space, this functionality gives people wider access to large language model (LLM) usage on their phone. It's one of Nothing's important steps toward open and transparent artificial intelligence.
Essential Apps & Playground: One of the coolest new bits. Users can now design their own custom, AI-powered widgets—Essential Apps—using natural-language commands. They can then be downloaded and exchanged through the Playground community portal, adding to a whole new definition of customisation. Early beta limitations can vary (e.g., phone (3) can execute six widgets, others can execute two).
2. Improvements to Design and New Display Settings
Extra Dark Mode: A step up from the traditional Dark Mode, this new feature produces a blacker, brighter black experience. It's not only meant to provide a streamlined appearance but to minimize eye strain and possibly enhance power efficiency.
New Interface: The whole UI gets a sharper, more cohesive visual aesthetic. It includes standardized key elements, new lock screen clock controls, and an streamlined Quick Settings panel, with support for 2x2 tiles to improve information density.
3. Improved Multitasking and Performance
Pop-up View: The new Pop-up View gives a boost to multitasking by way of supporting two floating app icons. The effect is faster switching of activities and a better experience with multiple apps open.
System-Level Optimisation: The software contains system-level application optimisation, and its purpose is to decrease application launch times and provide silky smooth background execution, thus greatly enhancing overall system stability and responsiveness.
4. Upgrade to Photography: The 'Stretch' Preset
Beta brings new "Stretch" Camera preset to Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus users. Co-designed with fashion photographer Jordan Hemingway, the preset promises to provide a unique, stylised effect directly within the Camera app with deeper shadows and further-reached highlights, and a higher cinematic contrast profile.
Eligibility and How to get into the Beta
Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, powered by the basis Android 16 operating system, is being released now to chosen Nothing phones.
| Device Model | Status | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (3) | Out Now | Comes with unique AI Usage Dashboard features |
| Nothing Phone (2) | Available Now | Includes new 'Stretch' Camera preset |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | Live Now | Comes with the new 'Stretch' |
| Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Available Now | Includes new 'Stretch' Camera preset |
| Nothing Phone (3a) Series | Release Soon | Will receive the Open Beta update later this October |
| Nothing Phone (1) | Not Eligible | Software life cycle is closed for this model |
Important Beta Alert: The beta software is not the final version. It might have bugs, drain battery life, or even require a factory restore. Always backup important data before installing any beta update.
How to Register for the Open Beta:
Make sure that your phone is on the latest stable Nothing OS.
Install and download the specialized Beta Updates Hub APK (the link to the official link is typically posted on the Nothing Community Forum).
Go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
Select "Join Beta" to join.
Following a successful registration, click "Go to Update" to get Nothing OS 4.0 downloaded and installed.
Conclusion
Nothing OS 4.0 is not about just another ho-hum annual update; it's a ground-up transformation that fully invests in the future of artificial intelligence with clarity. The inclusion of design enhancements, improved multitasking, and new AI tools makes this open beta a try-it-now experience among Nothing enthusiasts eager to join the operating system's journey. Keep an ear open to the Nothing Community's official channels for the latest news and feedback opportunities!
