Nothing Phone (2a) gets second Android 15 beta with ‘Shared Widgets’ and more

1 week ago 3

The Nothing Phone (2a) is getting a new Android 15 beta update that, among various fixes and improvements, also brings the launch of Nothing OS 3.0’s new “Shared Widgets.”

Nothing OS 3.0 is one of the biggest software updates the company has had to date, and it’s shaping up to be a rather good one.

Hands-on: Nothing OS 3.0 is a welcome upgrade, but why did Nothing copy the iOS App Library?

Available first on the Phone (2a) and since expanded to the Phone (2), the update is quickly on its way to a stable rollout. However, it has been missing a big feature so far.

When first unveiling its Android 15 update, Nothing announced that it would launch “Shared Widgets,” a new feature that would allow widgets on a user’s homescreen to sync with widgets on another device. Essentially, you could “pair” widgets between friends and family, assuming everyone is using a Nothing device. One of these widgets can share reactions and stickers with other users. It’s a fun idea for staying connected.

Those widgets are now available in the second Android 15 beta for Nothing Phone (2a).

Beyond that, this update also brings improvements to the new Quick Settings and “Smart Drawer,” while also fixing bugs in the camera app and throughout the system. It’s also pointed out that Nothing Phone (2a) can now play PUBG at 90fps.

The full changelog follows:

Shared Widgets

Use widgets to link up with friends and family. See another person’s widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with each other through reactions. A new way to stay connected.

Quick Settings improvements

Refined the animations in Quick Settings. Including swipe animations, Bluetooth tile transitions, and tile resizing.
Improved the user experience when interacting with the ring tile within the Quick Settings Widget.

Smart Drawer enhancements

Enhanced app categorisation accuracy. New apps may take a short while to be properly categorised.
Introduced auto-sort. Allows your apps and folders to organise themselves based on your usage habits.

Camera enhancements

Improved stability when switching camera modes.
Upgraded HDR algorithm for better stability and enhanced photo quality.
Optimised Portrait Mode.
Enhanced brightness when using Ultra HDR Mode.

Visual and performance updates

AI-powered selection and prioritisation of your frequently used apps, keeping them at your fingertips for a smoother and more efficient experience.
PUBG now supports a high refresh rate of 90 fps, for smoother gameplay.
Added an onboarding guide for first-time Pop-up view users.
Other general bug fixes and performance improvements.

If you’ve already installed the first beta, the second will be available through the Settings menu.

Phone (2a) is the only device with this latest beta, but it should expand to other devices soon.