Tech News

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Joins Android 15 Beta Program

Highlights

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is now part of the Android 15 beta program.
It allows users to experience the latest update on Nothing OS 3.0 with new features.
New Features – shared widgets, lock screen customisation, AI-powered smart drawer, enhanced quick settings, camera improvements and pop-up view enhancements.
Other improvements – AI-powered app selection, auto-archive, partial screen sharing, a smoother setup wizard, new fingerprint and charging animations and predictive back animations.

Nothing OS 3.0 in Open Beta 1 for Phone (2a) Plus is now out. (Image credit – Nothing Community)

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is now part of the Android 15 beta program, following the rest of Nothing’s lineup. The program, which runs on Nothing OS 3.0, first launched with the Phone (2a), then expanded to the Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1. Now, owners of the Phone (2a) Plus can also experience the beta update.

📢📢📢

— Nothing (@nothing) December 12, 2024

To try the beta, users can download an APK and follow the instructions provided by Nothing. A rollback option is available if you wish to return to Android 14.

Screenshot of Beta download on (2a) Plus shared on Nothing community. (Screenshot credit – User MontyPython on Nothing Community Page)

The Android 15 beta for the Phone (2a) Plus brings the following new features and improvements –

Shared Widgets

Connected Widgets: Share widgets with friends and family. See their widgets on your home screen and interact with reactions.

Lock Screen

New Customisation: Access via a long press or through the Customization page.
Upgraded Clock Faces: Pick your favourite style.
More Widget Space: Add more widgets directly to the lock screen.

Smart Drawer

AI-Powered Categorisation: Automatically sorts your apps into folders.
Pinned Favourites: Keep your top apps at the top of the drawer.

Quick Settings

Redesigned Layout: Simplified editing experience.
Enhanced Widget Library: Easier access and organization.
Refreshed Visuals: Updated Network & Internet and Bluetooth options.

Camera Improvements

Faster Launch: Speedier access via the Camera Widget.
Reduced HDR Processing Time: Faster results.
Smoother Countdown UI: Improved experience for timed photos.
Better Zoom Slider Display: Enhanced precision.

Pop-Up View Enhancements

Movable Pop-Up Windows: For cleaner multitasking.
Resisable Windows: Adjust by dragging the corners.
Quick Access: Pin views to screen edges.
Integrated Notifications: Swipe down on incoming alerts to open pop-up views.

Other Additions

AI-Powered App Selection: Keep your most-used apps handy.
Auto-Archive: Free up storage without losing apps or data.
Partial Screen Sharing: Share specific app windows during recordings.
Setup Wizard 3.0: A smoother start to Nothing OS.
Predictive Back Animations: For supported apps.
New Fingerprint Animation: With Nothing’s dot matrix styling.
Updated Charging Animation: Matches the fingerprint animation theme.

FAQs

Q1. What program is the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus now part of?

Answer. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is now part of the Android 15 beta program following the rest of Nothing’s lineup.

Q2. What new features does the Android 15 beta introduce for the Phone (2a) Plus?

Answer. The Android 15 beta introduces shared widgets, lock screen customization, AI-powered smart drawer, enhanced quick settings, camera improvements and pop-up view enhancements.