Nothing’s Android 17 update debuts this week with redesigns, new apps, 3D emoji [Gallery]

Nothing has announced Nothing OS 5.0, its Android 17 update, which will start rolling out in October with some redesigned UI elements, more AI features, new apps, and support for Google’s 3D emoji too.

Nothing OS 5.0 isn’t a complete overhaul, but it’s not a small update either. Rolling out starting in October, the Android 17-based update brings a host of new updates throughout. This includes various UI updates, including Pixel-like transparency/blur on some homescreen widgets and in apps like Nothing Gallery, lockscreen clock faces, batch editing on the homescreen, new widgets, and even a new dedicated app for Nothing’s Glyph features.

A condensed version of the changelog for Nothing OS 5.0 follows:

• New font throughout the system UI
• Status bar animations for feedback when changing connection modes, more
• Camera app: Updated icons, QR links now stay fixed on screen once recognized
• Nothing Gallery gets better sorting, album organization options
• New homescreen personalization and batch editing
• Lockscreen gets two new clocks and more color theming
• Wallpapers add more depth and blur effects
• New widgets: “Away Time” to show time not using your phone, “Collector” for sticker-like widgets on homescreen created from photos
• Dedicated Glyph app for light controls, features, etc
• Bluetooth controls upgraded in Quick Settings
• Essential AI updates:
  • Essential Voice now shows a live preview of text while processing voice-to-text output
  • “Smart Collections” automatically sort Essential Space content
  • Essential Apps can now be built through an app on your Nothing Phone
• Separate Quick Settings & Notification panels (optional)
• Yellow AI privacy indicator
• Noto 3D emoji (also available on Pixel 11)

Nothing says to expect Nothing OS 5.0 (Android 17) to start rolling out to Phone (3) in “mid-October,” with the rest of its supported devices – dating back to Phone (2a) – being updated through mid-January.

Open Beta builds will be available starting tomorrow, August 26, starting on Phone (3) and expanding to other devices in the coming weeks. Somewhat amusingly, Phone (4b) is second-to-last in line, despite being the company’s newest smartphone.

More on Nothing:

• Nothing Ear (3a) Review: Simply the best earbuds – and they’re only $99
• Nothing says it plans to release six smartphones next year, ‘wider range’ of devices
• Nothing’s CMF is using AI-generated people to show off its new earbuds – everyone hates it [Gallery]

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