New Delhi: Nothing has released its long-awaited Android 16-based update in beta, bringing Nothing OS 4.0 with a number of AI-powered features and performance improvements. The update has left a lot of users surprised because it does not include the recent devices launched, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, as the first rollout.
Nothing OS 4.0 was announced earlier this month and focuses a lot on integrating AI. The flagship Phone (3) has AI-generated Essential Apps widgets and an AI Dashboard that allows a better understanding of how big models are used by the user. Together with these AI features, the update is focused on the stability of the system, providing smoother work of the lock screen and always-on display, more consistent brightness control, camera stability, and better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Supported devices in first beta
Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus are now open beta. It is strange to exclude the Phone (3a) series, but the company will probably provide help in the next few weeks.
New features in Nothing OS 4.0
Other than AI improvements, there is also a pop-up view with dual floating icons to swiftly switch between apps, two new lock screen clock designs, 2×2 quick setting tile support, and an Extra Dark Mode option to view contents comfortably in a dark environment. New camera updates: Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Plus users now have a new preset known as Stretch.
How to install Beta
To test Nothing OS 4.0, one has to install the Beta Updates Hub APK first. Once installed, go to Settings-System-Nothing Beta Hub and then Join Beta, followed by the steps that appear on the screen to update.
This launch is another step that Nothing is making towards incorporating AI in its ecosystem, but lack of support in major devices has raised eyebrows among fans.