Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 2 Now Available for Phone (2a): Here's How to Install It

The latest update to Nothing's operating system is now available for users with the Phone (2a), as the company rolls out the second open beta for Nothing OS 3.0. While this version is currently exclusive to the Phone (2a), users of the Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 are expected to receive the update in December. As for the Nothing Phone (2), the first open beta is available.

The new build brings a variety of improvements aimed at enhancing both usability and performance.

New Features in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 2

Shared Widgets for Social Connectivity

A standout feature in this beta version is the introduction of Shared Widgets. This feature allows users to link up with friends and family by displaying their widgets on your home screen. By interacting with these widgets, users can share reactions, creating a new way to stay connected without leaving the home screen. Currently, Shared Widgets can only be used between Nothing devices, and only Photo Widgets are supported in this early version.

Quick Settings Overhaul

Nothing OS 3.0 also brings some welcome improvements to the Quick Settings menu. Animations have been refined, with smoother transitions in swipe actions, Bluetooth tile changes, and tile resizing. Additionally, the user experience has been improved for interacting with the ring tile within the Quick Settings Widget, enhancing the overall usability of this essential feature.

Smart Drawer Gets Smarter

Smart Drawer, a key feature for app organization, also sees some enhancements. App categorization is now more accurate, although newly installed apps may take a short time to be properly categorized. The update also introduces an auto-sort feature, which automatically organizes apps and folders based on your usage habits, making it easier to find what you need.

Camera and Performance Upgrades

The update also focuses on camera performance. Improvements include better stability when switching between camera modes, an upgraded HDR algorithm for better photo quality, and optimized Portrait Mode for more accurate and vibrant images. The Ultra HDR Mode also benefits from enhanced brightness, providing a clearer view in challenging lighting conditions.

For those who enjoy gaming, PUBG Mobile now supports a 90 fps refresh rate, delivering a smoother and more responsive experience. Performance improvements also extend to general app usage, with AI-powered prioritization keeping your most-used apps readily accessible.

How to Install the Update

To get the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 2 on your Phone (2a), you first need to have the previous Nothing OS 3.0 version with the build number Pacman-V3.0-240923-2135 installed. Once that's set, simply head to Settings > System > System updates to find the latest beta version available for download and installation.