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Nothing’s super-cheap CMF Phone 1 gets Android 15 in beta

Ahead of a fully release of Nothing OS 3.0, beta updates have been rolling out for the brand’s Android 15 update, with the latest beta now available for the CMF Phone 1.

Launched earlier this year, the CMF Phone 1 is a remarkably cheap, but somehow still solid Android device. We were pleased with it across the board in our review, especially for its $199 price tag. Now, it’s getting an Android 15 update in beta.

The first Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta for CMF Phone 1 brings Android 15 alongside Nothing’s various tweaks to the system. This includes more lock screen customization, “Shared Widgets,” a revamped Quick Settings experience, and more.

The beta is also available for Nothing Phone (2a) and Nothing Phone (2), but has yet to launch for Phone (1) and Phone (2a) Plus.

CMF Phone 1 owners interested in trying out Android 15 early can download an APK from Nothing’s website and follow a set of instructions to enroll in the beta. It’s noted, though, that there is no way to roll back to a stable version at this time.

The full changelog follows:

Shared Widgets

  • Use widgets to link up with friends and family. See another person’s widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with each other through reactions. A new way to stay connected.

Lock screen

  • New lock screen customisation page. Access by long-pressing the lock screen or via the Customisation page.
  • Upgraded clock faces. Choose your favourite style.
  • Expanded widget space, allowing you to place more widgets on your lock screen.

Smart Drawer

  • Added AI-powered Smart Drawer feature to automatically categorise your apps into folders. For better organisation and easy access.
  • For ultimate convenience, you can pin your favourite apps to the top of the app drawer. No scrolling required.‎

Quick Settings

  • Reconsidered Quick Settings design with an optimised editing experience.
  • Enhanced widget library design.
  • Updated visuals in Settings including better Network & Internet and Bluetooth options.‎

Camera improvements

  • Faster camera launch speed under the Camera Widget.
  • Reduced HDR scene processing time.
  • Smoothened user interface after countdown photos
  • Improved zoom slider display.‎

Enhanced pop-up view

  • Movable pop-up view for cleaner and more productive multi-tasking.
  • Easily resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners.
  • Pin the pop-up view on the screen edge for quick access.
  • View information without leaving your current app. Simply swipe down on incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view. Enable via Settings > System > Pop-up view.

Other improvements

  • AI-powered selection and prioritisation of your frequently used apps, keeping them at your fingertips for a more efficient experience
  • Added support for auto-archive function to automatically free up storage space without removing apps or data from your device.
  • Partial screen sharing for more efficient and secure screen recording. Record just an app window rather than the entire screen.
  • Updated setup wizard to version 3.0 for the smoothest introduction to Nothing OS.
  • Enabled predictive back animations for apps that have opted in.
  • New fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling.
  • New charging animation with signature dot matrix styling.

Note:

  • Shared Widgets are currently supported by Nothing devices only. At this stage, only Photo Widgets (square) can be shared. We are rapidly developing support for other widgets, so stay tuned.
  • Since Shared Widgets are in beta, you might encounter some issues. We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the experience.

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Avatar for Ben Schoon Ben Schoon

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.


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