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One month after releasing Nothing OS 3.0, the company rolled out the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 2 update for the Nothing Phone (2) and (2a). This update introduces several new features and improvements, including a high refresh rate gaming mode, AI-powered app drawer enhancements, camera upgrades, and more. Let’s take a quick look at the features and changes included in Nothing OS 3.0 Beta 2, followed by the steps to install it.
Shared widgets are finally live on Nothing OS 3.0. You can share these widgets with your friends and family and see another person’s widget on your home screen. Interact with each other by reacting to their widgets.
It’s a new, fun way to stay connected, but keep in mind that it only works between Nothing phone users. And only Photo Widgets (square) can be shared as of yet.
2. Smart Drawer Gets Smarter
Nothing OS 3.0 introduced an AI-powered Smart App Drawer that uses AI to sort your apps into Social, Games, Entertainment, Travel, Productivity, Shopping, and other categories. Its enhanced AI now offers improved categorization accuracy. However, it may take some time to properly categorize those apps.
It also gets a new Auto Sort feature, allowing your apps and folders to organize themselves based on your usage habits. Both features may take some time to function optimally as they analyze your usage patterns after the update.
3. Quick Settings Panel Improvements
Nothing has revamped Quick Settings animations, including smoother transitions for swipes, Bluetooth tiles, and tile resizing. The update also enhances the animation and overall user experience when interacting with the ring tile within the Quick Settings Widget.
4. High Refresh Rate for Gaming
Nothing OS 3.0 finally adds support for high refresh rate gaming. With their 120Hz displays, the Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a) can now run PUBG at 90fps for a smoother experience.
This feature will also be available on other Nothing phone models with 90Hz or higher refresh rate displays. We expect support for more games like Call of Duty to be added with future updates.
5. Camera Upgrades
The Nothing OS 3.0 Beta 2 introduces several camera-related enhancements for Nothing phones. Switching between camera modes is now more stable, with reduced lag and jitter. The HDR algorithm has also been upgraded, improving stability and photo quality.
Nothing has further optimized Portrait mode and increased image brightness in Ultra HDR mode.
Other Nothing OS 3.0 Beta 2 Changes
Like most software updates, Nothing OS 3.0 Beta 2 includes general bug fixes and performance improvements. It also adds an onboarding guide for first-time users of Pop-up view, which allows you to use apps in a floating mini window.
How to Install the Beta 2 Update?
If you’re already running the first beta of Nothing OS 3.0 (build number Pacman-V3.0-240923-2135), go to Settings > System > Software Updates and download the second beta.
If you’re running Nothing OS 2.6, you must first go to the Nothing website, download the APK file, and install it. Then, go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version. Tap Check for new version and follow the on-screen instructions.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey began by sharing his knowledge and helping other people in online communities. This passion led him to a career in tech journalism, fueled by a formal education in Electronic Media. He then went on to roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, where he honed his skills as an editor. He's also contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With a portfolio of over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides, Ritik has helped millions of readers navigate their tech, from smartphones to smart homes.
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