The Nothing Phone (1), a device that captured attention with its unique design and transparent back, has just received its stable Android 15 update. This marks a significant milestone for the phone, though it's likely to be its final major Android OS upgrade.
A Rollout Across the Nothing Phone Lineup
Nothing began the rollout of its stable Android 15 update in mid-December 2024 for the Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a), subsequently expanding to the Phone (2a) Plus. The original Nothing Phone (1) is the latest to join this list, receiving the update over-the-air (OTA) through the device's Settings app.
Android 15 and Nothing OS 3.0: A New Look and Feel
The update brings the Phone (1) to Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.0 on top. This latest version of Nothing's custom skin introduces a host of new features, redesigns, and performance enhancements.
Key Features and Improvements:
- Shared Widgets: This innovative feature allows you to share widgets with friends and family. You can see their widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with them through reactions. Currently, shared widgets are primarily supported between Nothing devices, and only Photo Widgets (square) are compatible. However, Nothing is actively working to expand support for other widget types.
- Lock Screen Customization: The lock screen customization options have been significantly enhanced. You can now access a dedicated customization page by long-pressing the lock screen or through the device's main settings. This page allows for greater personalization, including a wider selection of clock face styles and expanded widget space to accommodate more widgets on your lock screen.
- New App Drawer Style: The app drawer has received a makeover. The introduction of an AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically categorizes your apps into folders, improving organization and making it easier to find the apps you need. Additionally, you can now pin your favorite apps to the top of the app drawer for quick access.
- Enhanced Pop-up View: The pop-up view has been refined with several improvements. You can now drag the pop-up view to any position on the screen for flexible multitasking. Resizing the pop-up view is also more intuitive, allowing you to adjust its size by dragging the bottom corners. For even quicker access, you can pin the pop-up view to the screen edge. Furthermore, swiping down incoming notifications now directly enters the pop-up view, enabling you to quickly view information without leaving your current app. This feature can be enabled through the device's Settings.
- Elevated Design: The overall design language has been refined with a focus on visual appeal and ease of use. Quick Settings have been redesigned with an optimized editing experience, allowing for effortless customization of your preferred shortcuts. The widget library has also been revamped, providing easier access to your favorite Nothing Widgets and a streamlined way to browse third-party widgets. The Settings app itself has received a visual update with improved UI elements.
- Performance and Efficiency: Android 15 incorporates AI-powered optimizations to learn your usage habits and prioritize frequently used apps. This intelligent approach keeps your most used apps active for longer, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user experience. The update also includes support for an auto-archive function, which automatically frees up storage space without removing apps or their data from your device.
- New Features: Other notable additions include partial screen sharing, allowing you to record just an app window instead of the entire screen. The setup wizard has been updated to version 3.0 for a smoother initial setup experience. Predictive back animations are now enabled for apps that have opted in, providing a more fluid and responsive user experience.
User Feedback and Observations
Early reports from users who have installed the Android 15 update on their Nothing Phone (1) suggest that the update is running smoothly on the device. However, it's worth noting that the Circle to Search feature, available on newer Nothing devices, is currently absent from the Phone (1) with this update.
A Look Back at the Nothing Phone (1) and its Software Support
The Nothing Phone (1) was unveiled in mid-2022 with a commitment to three years of Android OS updates. Launched with Android 12, the device has since received updates to Android 13, 14, and now 15. While major Android updates are likely to cease after this point, Nothing has confirmed continued support for security patches for at least one more year.
CMF Phone 1 Update
The Android 15 update is also currently being rolled out to the CMF Phone 1, a rebranded version of the Nothing Phone (1).
The Future of Nothing: Phone (3) and Beyond
As Nothing prepares for the launch of the Phone (3) later this year, the company is reportedly on track to achieve $1 billion in lifetime sales. This milestone underscores the growing success of the brand. Looking ahead, Nothing has hinted at a broader vision, aiming to evolve into an "AI-powered platform."
Conclusion
The arrival of the Android 15 update brings a range of exciting new features and improvements to the Nothing Phone (1). While this may be the last major Android OS update for the device, users can expect continued security support and ongoing software optimizations. As Nothing continues to innovate and expand its product lineup, the future of the brand appears bright.
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