The Nothing Phone (2a) is now receiving its second open beta update for Nothing OS 3.0, bringing several key enhancements and new features. Based on Android 15, this update includes performance improvements, camera optimizations, and gameplay features tailored to boost the overall user experience. As the second beta release, it marks a significant step towards refining the software before its full, stable rollout. Let’s dive into the new features and improvements included in this latest update.

Key Points

New Shared Widgets: Users can now share square photo widgets with others, adding social interaction features.

Improved Quick Settings: Enhanced animations, customizable title sizes, and smoother interactions.

Smart Drawer Update: AI-driven auto-sort feature for better app organization based on usage habits.

Camera Enhancements: Ultra HDR mode with improved brightness and optimized Portrait Mode.

Gaming Optimizations: PUBG Mobile now supports 90fps for smoother gameplay.

Bug Fixes: Stability improvements for a smoother overall experience.

Features

The second beta update of Nothing OS 3.0 introduces several key features that aim to refine the user interface and improve the overall functionality of the device.

Shared Widgets: One of the standout additions, Shared Widgets allow users to share photo widgets with others. While currently limited to square photo widgets, Nothing plans to expand this feature in future updates, making it more versatile for a variety of widgets.

Enhanced Quick Settings: The Quick Settings menu has been revamped with smoother animations and transitions. Users can also now resize titles to fit their preferences, offering a more personalized experience. Furthermore, improvements have been made to the functionality of the ring tile, making it easier to access and manage settings.

Smart Drawer: The Smart Drawer now boasts improved accuracy in organizing apps, and with the new auto-sort feature, apps will be automatically categorized based on your usage patterns. This AI-driven organization ensures the most frequently used apps are easily accessible, saving time and improving workflow.

Camera Improvements: Camera enthusiasts will notice enhancements in the Ultra HDR mode, which now delivers brighter, more vibrant images. Additionally, Portrait Mode has been optimized for better clarity and more natural skin tones. Mode-switching stability has also been improved, making for a smoother photography experience.

Gaming Performance: PUBG Mobile players will appreciate the enhanced 90fps support, providing a more fluid and responsive gaming experience on the Nothing Phone (2a).

Specifications

Operating System: Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15.

Shared Widgets: Allows sharing of square photo widgets (with plans for future expansion).

Camera: Enhanced Ultra HDR mode, improved Portrait Mode, better stability while switching between camera modes.

Smart Drawer: AI-based organization with an auto-sort feature to manage apps efficiently.

Gaming: PUBG Mobile now supports up to 90fps.

Stability: Bug fixes and stability improvements, though being a beta version, some bugs may still be present.

Availability

The Nothing OS 3.0 second open beta update is currently available to users who are already enrolled in the beta program. If you are part of the beta, you can check for the update by heading to the System Updates section in the settings. The build number for this update is Pacman-V3.0-240923-2135. As is typical with beta releases, it may take some time before the update reaches all beta participants, and users are advised that the update may contain some minor bugs, as it’s still in testing.

Conclusion

The Nothing OS 3.0 second open beta update brings several welcome improvements to the Nothing Phone (2a), including new features like Shared Widgets, AI-driven Smart Drawer organization, camera enhancements, and gaming performance upgrades. While this is still a beta release, the changes represent a step toward a smoother, more feature-rich experience for users. As Nothing continues refining its software, future updates are expected to further enhance the user experience, making the Nothing Phone (2a) an even more compelling option in the smartphone market.