Nothing OS 4.0 Launches Nov 21: Android 16 Update Hits Phone 3 First

British electronics company Nothing declared that they will start to perform the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 update for the users from November 21. They have not revealed the official schedule for the rollout, but they are likely to focus on their leading model, the Nothing Phone 3, then the Nothing Phone 3a series launched early this year will be next.

The new version is the result of an open beta program that was implemented in October, which permitted a few users to try out the new interface before the general release. Not only the Nothing Phone 3 and 3a has beta access but also the Nothing Phone 2 and 2a devices had, indicating that these older versions are likely to receive stable updates soon.

Main aspects in Nothing OS 4.0

Essential Space Upgrades

With the AI activity dashboard, the Essential Space function on the Nothing Phone 3 has been enhanced. The dashboard intends to provide users with a clear and understandable representation of what AI processes are happening on their device and the functioning of complex AI models, thus giving better awareness of system activity.

In addition to this, the overall system performance has been upgraded with the following features:

Faster response on lock screen and always-on display

Adaptive brightness under different lighting

Camera performance becoming more consistent

Ease in Bluetooth pairing and connection

Wi-Fi being more reliable

i.e., overall system stability improvements

Essential Apps are brought in with Nothing OS 4.0, which are small-scale AI-assisted widgets that users can personalize and exchange through the Playground platform. The Nothing Phone 3 can accommodate a maximum of six widgets on its home screen, while other currently supported models can only have two at most.

The addition of a "Stretch" camera preset, which was created in partnership with fashion photographer Jordan Hemingway, now allows the user to take direct shots with the Camera application that have deeper shadows, highlighted areas that are broader, and a vogue-like look. This technique completely removes any doubt that the aim is to create styled pictures without the need for further editing.

The new system introduces a new App Optimization feature that prepares the apps to launch and work in the background more efficiently. Properly balancing the utilization of resources leads to quicker app loading and smoother switching of users between the most commonly used apps.

Additional Features

Pop-up View: The two app icons floating are now available to the user, making the switching between applications faster. A swipe upward makes the window smaller, while a downward pull brings back the full-screen mode.

Design Updates: A new visual style brings in new options for the lock screen clock, improved system components, and a changed Quick Settings layout for a consistent interface.

Extra Dark Mode: The dark mode that has been updated is now even blacker, which results in less eye strain and a smaller power drain on the monitors that are compatible.