Nothing highlights Android 16 update: new design, ‘Extra Dark’ mode, smarter AI

Robert Haba
Robert Haba
2 min read
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Nothing is showcasing its Android 16 update, Nothing OS 4.0, as well as its new features and designs, ahead of its open beta launch that is “coming soon.”

Earlier this year, the Phone (3) and Nothing OS 4.0 were announced, although the design hasn’t been revealed yet. However, nothing explains the new features of its Android 16 version in a recent post and video.

The primary visual upgrade of Nothing OS 4.0 is a “sharper, more deliberate design across every layer.” Specifically mentions an improved Quick Settings panel, new lock screen clocks, and other changes across Nothing’s apps.

nothing os 4 android 16 ipdate

In contrast to Android’s usual dark grey theme, there is a new “Extra Dark” theme that is completely black.

The floating app icons improve multitasking, yet nothing indicates that the camera or overall performance would be improved—the latter due to the “TrueLens Engine.

Lastly, a brand-new AI dashboard that analyzes your usage of Nothing’s AI capabilities has been introduced. In particular, it deconstructs the AI models that Nothing’s AI features—such as Whisper, GPT-4o, and Gemini Flash—use.

nothing os 14 ai

The release date for OS 4.0 is not specified, but it is stated that it will happen “soon.” According to Nothing’s existing support promises, the update will eventually reach Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (3a), and CMF phones, though it is likely to begin on Phone (3).

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Founder · Editor-in-Chief
Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.

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