The highly anticipated Nothing Phone (2) is set to launch next month, and recent renders reveal that it come with a new curved design. In a conversation with Mladen M. Hoyss, Software Creative Director at Nothing, XDA developers gained insights into what to expect from the upcoming Nothing OS 2.0.
The Evolution of Nothing OS
Nothing’s journey with operating systems has been interesting. Initially, with Nothing OS 1.0, a small team and external contractors developed an OS that closely resembled stock Android with a few unique features.
After the release of Phone (1), the team grew to nearly 100 people, resulting in the development of Nothing OS 1.5 with enhanced features and improvements. Now, Hoyss reveals that Nothing is entering a new phase with their own Android-based system called “Nothing OS.”
Intentionality and Productivity
Nothing aims to incorporate intentionality into their computing devices and operating system. They want users to feel productive and have fun while using their devices. The goal is to establish a recognizable Nothing ecosystem that harmonizes with the hardware, leveraging the best aspects of Android and making them more accessible and efficient for users.
Reimagining the Home Screen
Hoyss criticizes the current Android home screen, which he sees as a collection of company logos. He envisions a home screen that reflects personal interests and provides relevant information at a glance. This first layer of the smartphone should enable purposeful interaction and easy access to everything users need, reducing the need for excessive scrolling and digging.
A Unique Functional Environment
Nothing plans to bring out-of-the-box options available on smartphones to the forefront, creating a functional and user-friendly environment. While some aspects may resemble features found in Google Pixel devices, Hoyss emphasizes that Nothing has its own unique approach that sets it apart from existing offerings.
Nothing is committed to building stable and aesthetically pleasing products. Although specific details regarding the future roadmap and timeline remain undisclosed, it is clear that Nothing has a solid game plan.
After the Nothing OS 2.0 this summer, the company will reveal further updates on its compatibility for the original Nothing Phone (1).
The Synergy of Hardware and Software
The collaboration between the original OxygenOS developers and Blloc developers at Nothing has created a remarkable synergy. With hardware and software teams working side by side, sharing insights, and striving for a unified vision, the level of coordination is unparalleled.
While Nothing aims to deliver exceptional performance, they also prioritize providing an optimal user experience. Developers and designers carefully consider the trade-offs between performance improvements and user satisfaction when implementing changes in the operating system.
Nothing OS 2.0’s core concept is “functional aesthetics.” This term, rooted in data science, involves transforming large amounts of data into visually digestible and easily comprehensible representations. With the opportunity and momentum to start afresh, Nothing plans to create a visually appealing and data-rich user experience.
The Nothing Phone (2) will launch in July with Nothing OS 2.0. It boasts 3x more recycled or bio-based parts compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the company has revealed that the Phone (2) will be manufactured in India to meet the needs of the Indian market.