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Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 lands on Phone, bringing Android 14 goodies and customization tweaks

By Sarah Chen
2 min read
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In this article (5)

Get ready, Nothing Phone (1) users! It’s finally your turn to experience the latest Android has to offer on your devices with the arrival of Nothing OS 2.5 Beta. This update, powered by Android 14, promises a plethora of exciting new features and improvements that will enhance your smartphone experience.

One of the key highlights of Nothing OS 2.5 is the revamped customization options. Users can now access a combined Home Screen and Lock Screen customization page, offering a comprehensive view of all available wallpaper and theme options.

A new “Atmosphere” wallpaper effect breathes life into your background photos, transforming them into dynamic visuals that react to your phone’s movements. For those who prefer a minimalist look, solid color wallpapers are now available, and a monochrome color theme adds a touch of elegance.

Additionally, Nothing OS 2.5 introduces a customizable double-press power button gesture, allowing you to quickly access your favorite feature with a simple tap. Lock Screen shortcuts have also been expanded, offering convenient one-tap access to Do Not Disturb, Mute, QR code scanner, and video camera. And for those who love screenshots, a new three-finger swipe gesture makes capturing the screen easier than ever. A dedicated screenshot editor and menu further enhance the experience, providing advanced editing tools and quick deletion options.

Lock Screen shortcuts have also been expanded, offering convenient one-tap access to Do Not Disturb, Mute, QR code scanner, and video camera.

There is also a new Pedometer Widget, which displays your progress directly on your home screen. Music lovers will appreciate the Media Player Widget, while the Screen Time Widget helps you monitor and manage your digital habits. Remember, to use these widgets, you’ll need to update your Nothing Launcher and Nothing Widgets apps to the latest versions.

Nothing OS 2.5 goes beyond aesthetics, offering a range of under-the-hood improvements. A new Glyph animation greets you when using NFC, and the Flip to Glyph experience has been optimized for smoother transitions. The Weather app has been refreshed, with improved notification of weather alerts. Even small details like the back gesture arrow and volume control interface have been redesigned for a more consistent and user-friendly experience.

If you’re a Phone (1) user eager to experience Nothing OS 2.5 and Android 14, note that the update process is not as straightforward as when done over-the-air (OTA). To update, you will first need to make sure you have the latest version of Nothing OS and then download and install the Beta APK that can be accessed from the Nothing Community site. Once installed, you will then need to head over to Settings > System, and select “Update to Beta version,” then “Check for new version” and follow the on-screen instructions.We always make sure to include a warning when it comes to installing Beta software, and this isn’t an exception, so here it goes: Remember, this is a Beta version, so there’s a small chance of encountering bugs or issues that might require a factory reset. It’s strongly recommended to back up all your data before installing the update. However, if issues should arise, Nothing has created a rollback package that can be used to return your phone to factory settings.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which specific Nothing Phone model will receive the Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 update first?

A.

The Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 update, which brings Android 14 features, is specifically available for users of the Nothing Phone (1). It promises to enhance their smartphone experience with new features and improvements.

Q.

What new customisation options are included in Nothing OS 2.5?

A.

Nothing OS 2.5 introduces a combined Home Screen and Lock Screen customisation page, an “Atmosphere” wallpaper effect, solid colour wallpapers, and a monochrome colour theme. It also adds a customisable double-press power button gesture.

Q.

How do Nothing Phone (1) users install the Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 update?

A.

Users must first update to the latest Nothing OS, then download and install the Beta APK from the Nothing Community site. After installation, they need to go to Settings > System, select “Update to Beta version,” and then “Check for new version.”

Q.

What are the potential risks of installing the Nothing OS 2.5 Beta, and what rollback option is available?

A.

As this is a Beta version, there's a small chance of encountering bugs or issues that might require a factory reset. Users are advised to back up data. Nothing has provided a rollback package to return the phone to factory settings if problems arise.

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