Nothing Phone 2 Gets Android 15 Beta 1 and June Security Update
Nothing, the London-based tech company, has been busy keeping its flagship Phone 2 up to date with the latest software developments. The device recently received two significant updates: Android 15 Beta 1 and the June security patch. Let's dive into what these updates bring to the table and what users should be aware of.
Android 15 Beta 1: Early Access with Caveats
Nothing has made Android 15 Beta 1 available for Phone 2 users, joining the ranks of early adopters in the Android ecosystem. This move demonstrates Nothing's commitment to providing cutting-edge software experiences to its user base. However, there are some important points to consider:
- The beta is primarily intended for developers and advanced users.
- Installing the beta will erase all data on the device, so backing up is crucial.
- Several known issues exist, including:
- Inability to register fingerprints
- Face unlock is unavailable
- Pre-installed Nothing apps are missing
Despite these limitations, the beta introduces some exciting features:
- New Glyph SDK support
- A fresh wallpaper
- Updated boot-up animation
- Android 15 Beta 1 tag
For those brave enough to try it, Nothing has provided detailed instructions on their blog for installing the beta.
June Security Update: OS 2.5.6 Brings Refinements
Alongside the beta program, Nothing has rolled out OS 2.5.6 for the Phone 2, which includes the June security patch and several improvements:
- New option to hide or show the navigation bar
- Customizable swipe action for Quick Settings on the lock screen
- Enhanced Status bar icon customization
- Improved Quick Settings Widget animations
- Optimized carrier network compatibility
- Refined ChatGPT integration
The update also addresses several bugs, including issues with cloned apps on VPN networks and occasional problems with lock screen widgets and haptic feedback.
Looking Ahead: Phone 3 and AI Integration
While these updates keep the Phone 2 fresh, Nothing CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that the Phone 3 won't be released this year. The company is focusing on integrating AI capabilities more deeply into their hardware, with Pei stating, It's important we get the product right, integrating hardware and AI in a way that is both useful and brings a smile to people's faces.
For Phone 2 users, these updates showcase Nothing's dedication to improving their flagship device's performance and features. However, those considering the beta should weigh the potential risks against the excitement of early access to Android 15.
As always, it's recommended to back up your data before applying any major updates, and consider waiting for more stable releases if the Phone 2 is your primary device.
Update: Tuesday July 09 18:52
Nothing has recently rolled out Nothing OS 2.6 for the Phone 2, introducing significant enhancements to the device's Game Mode. The update includes features such as quick access to Game Dashboard, pop-up view for incoming calls during gameplay, and the ability to block notifications while gaming. Additionally, the update brings improvements to the Wallpaper Studio, Weather Widget setup, and CMF Watch integration. Several bug fixes have also been implemented, addressing issues with WhatsApp voice and call recording, emergency calls, and the Cloned Apps feature. This 87MB update is being distributed in stages and can be manually checked for in the device settings.