Nothing’s Android 16 adds a progress bar to your phone’s back
▼ Summary
– Nothing OS 4.0 introduces Live Updates via the Glyph Interface, allowing users to track deliveries, rides, or timers on Phone 3 and older models.
– The update includes an AI-powered Essentials App tool that lets users create custom widgets by describing them to a chatbot.
– New OS features include minimalist native app icons, lock screen clocks, and smoother animations for improved user interaction.
– Users can now open two floating apps simultaneously and switch between them with swipe gestures, plus a new dark mode with deeper blacks.
– Phone 3-specific additions include a pocket mode to disable the Glyph Matrix when in a pocket and new dot-matrix “toys” like an hourglass and moon position display.
Nothing’s latest Android 16-based update introduces a dynamic progress bar to the rear of its smartphones, transforming the unique Glyph Interface into a functional tool for tracking deliveries, rides, and timers. This innovative approach, part of Nothing OS 4.0, gives users a quick way to monitor ongoing activities without needing to unlock their device. Depending on the model, the visual feedback varies: the Phone 3A uses a gradually illuminating light strip, while the Phone 3’s dot-matrix display presents an animated progress bar. These Live Updates also appear on the lock screen, offering multiple ways to stay informed.
Beyond the progress tracking, Nothing is rolling out an AI-powered Essentials App tool. This feature enables users to generate custom widgets simply by describing what they need to a chatbot. The OS update also refreshes the visual experience with more minimalist native app icons, new lock screen clock designs, and refined animations that provide sharper tactile feedback and greater depth, enhancing the smoothness of every swipe and tap.
Multitasking receives a significant upgrade, allowing two floating apps to run simultaneously. Switching between them is intuitive, swipe up from the bottom to minimize, or swipe down to expand to full screen. An additional dark mode option has been introduced as well, featuring deeper blacks for reduced eye strain and a more immersive viewing experience.
For Phone 3 owners, several exclusive features are included. A new “pocket mode” automatically deactivates the Glyph Matrix when the phone senses it’s in a pocket, conserving battery life. The update also brings playful “toys” to the dot-matrix display, such as an animated hourglass and a real-time moon position indicator.
Nothing OS 4.0 is now available for the Phone 3, with a phased rollout planned for other models in the coming weeks. CMF-branded devices will get the update before the year ends, though Nothing Phone 3A Lite users will need to wait until early 2026 to access these enhancements.
(Source: The Verge)
