Nothing matches Samsung’s blockbuster Android update

Android phones used to be unreliable when it came to software updates, with iPhones offering much longer support. That’s all changing now as even the newest Android phone makers are ensuring quick upgrades to Android 14, the latest version of Google’s smartphone software.

That’s the case for Nothing, the tech startup founded by former OnePlus boss Carl Pei. The firm has made Android 14 available for its Nothing Phone (2) smartphone as part of an open beta programme that anyone with that phone can download now. Beta versions of software allow anyone to download it, but with warning that some things may not work properly.

Though there are far fewer Nothing phones in the world than Samsung Galaxy phones, it’s great to see Nothing keep pace with Samsung, which also has a beta live for One UI 6, its own version of Android 14. Right now, you can only get a full and final version of Android 14 if you get the new Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro – Google makes Android so its Pixel phones always get the latest version first.

But Samsung is not usually that far behind, and the plucky team over at Nothing looks like it’s making sure its loyal fans are rewarded with a quick update this year too.

Android 14 on the Pixel 8 Pro brings cool new features such as new fonts and widgets for the lock screen and always-on display, visual updates throughout, and even AI-generated wallpapers.

As well as everything Android 14 brings, Nothing says it has added more features on top, building on the distinctive minimalist aesthetics of its Nothing OS software that is based on black and white tones and a retro dot matrix font that recalls digital watches. New things include a new photo widget, three finger swipe to take a screenshot, and a glass effect filters for wallpapers.

Perhaps taking inspiration from the iPhone 15 Pro’s customisable Action Button, Nothing will also add a customisable double-press on the power button to access your chosen action. This could hopefully be anything, from starting a call to a specific person to opening the camera or toggling do not disturb mode.

Nothing warns that installing the beta may cause some issues with performance and even says it could result in your phone losing data and needing a factory reset, so if you want to take the plunge then proceed with caution.