Nothing OS 4.0 gets an official preview, and we like what we're seeing

The recently launched Nothing Phone 3 came bundled with Nothing OS 3.5, with the company promising to release the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 imminently. Then last week, the upcoming operating system was teased. Well, Nothing is going a step further now by giving us a detailed preview of Nothing OS 4.0.

In a post on the Nothing Community page, the company listed multiple changes coming to the software, including "reimagined" clocks for the lock screen and a "cleaner" Quick Settings interface.

Nothing talks about an upgraded Camera and a "smarter" Gallery app, likely referencing the inclusion of additional AI capabilities. There will be new presets and controls to play with, with the manufacturer also adding a "more intuitive layout."

A bulk of these changes have been detailed in a YouTube video uploaded by the company, though you may have to look at it closely to spot every new addition (via Android Authority).

Nothing OS 4.0 will introduce 'Extra Dark Mode'

With AI being one of the most talked-about features in modern-day smartphones, it should come as no surprise that Nothing's new software is bringing some improvements in this area. Nothing says its upcoming update will offer increased transparency for AI applications while improving user privacy.

An area of focus here is the addition of what Nothing calls the "usage dashboard," allowing users to keep an eye on their LLM (large language model) usage. Users will further find "AI (LLM) status hints" in the upcoming operating system.

One feature that a majority of Nothing smartphone owners would welcome is the new "Extra Dark Mode," which goes a step further than standard dark mode with a "deeper look." This updated version of dark mode will carry the benefit of conserving battery and reducing eye strain, the company said.

There's also support for two floating app icons with Nothing OS 4.0, which should help with multitasking. Lastly, the new software will introduce stronger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, improved lock screen and AOD (Always On Display), improved brightness adjustments, plus the usual suite of stability improvements.

The Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta will land soon, although the company has not yet shared a release date. As you would expect, the Phone 3 will be high up on the eligibility list for the new beta, while other eligible devices (Nothing Phone 2 and newer) should follow suit eventually.

Nothing's first-ever phone is unfortunately missing from the list, though CEO Carl Pei recently indicated that there may be a "program" for the device. However, no additional details were provided.

Which Nothing OS 4.0 feature are you most eager to try out based on the minute-long preview?

Nothing Phone 3

7.5 / 10
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
Display type
OLED
Display dimensions
6.67-inch
Display resolution
1260 x 2800 pixels

$800 at Nothing
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