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Nothing Phone (1) gets Stable Nothing OS 2.5.2 Android 14 Update

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Nothing OS 2.5.2 for Phone (1)

The latest update for the Nothing Phone (1) is here! Users can now upgrade to the stable Nothing OS 2.5, based on Android 14. This update is a significant leap from OS 2.0 and brings a plethora of new features and improvements, aiming to enhance the everyday experience of its users.

This update is currently being rolled out for beta users who are running Nothing OS 2.5.1 Open Beta 2. Later, Android 13 stable users will also receive the update in the coming days.

Nothing OS 2.5.2 for Phone (1)

You can identify this update by its firmware version Nothing OS 2.5.2. The update size for beta users is 68.48 MB. For non-Beta users, the update size will be around 1 GB. It will take 10-15 minutes for the complete installation. Also, this is an incremental update so data will be wiped.

Customisation

Users can now enjoy a redesigned Home Screen and Lock Screen customisation page, along with an improved wallpaper editing flow for a more comprehensive view of options. The update introduces the new Atmosphere wallpaper effect, which transforms background photos into dynamic wallpapers, adding motion to colours on both lock and home screens. For those who prefer simplicity, there are new solid colour wallpapers and a monochrome colour theme in the basic colour section.

Glyph Interface

The Glyph Interface now allows direct access to the Music Visualisation feature. The Glyph light playback effect has been improved, syncing better with your device’s audio. There’s also a new Glyph animation for NFC usage and enhancements to the Flip to Glyph experience.

Gesture

With the update, users can double-press the power button to access a chosen feature quickly. More Lock Screen shortcut options are available, including Do Not Disturb, Mute, QR code scanner, and video camera. Capturing screenshots is now easier with a three-finger swipe gesture. There’s also a new screenshot editor and menu for advanced editing and quick deletions. The back gesture arrow visual has been refreshed to align with Nothing’s style.

Quick Settings

Quick Settings now support switching ring modes and allow users to set their network without unlocking the device. The layout has been updated to show more device icons.

New Widgets

The update brings new widgets to enhance user interaction:

  • The Pedometer Widget tracks daily steps directly from the home screen.
  • The Media Player Widget displays the currently playing song for easy control.
  • The Screen Time Widget helps monitor and manage daily screen time.

More Improvements

The Weather app experience has been optimized, with improved weather alerts notifications. Users can set ringtone and notification sound volumes separately, thanks to an updated volume control interface. Continuous screenshots no longer include the preview of the previous screenshot. Camera stability and system smoothness and responsiveness have been enhanced for a more fluid user experience. Lastly, system stability and battery life have seen improvements.

Changelog:

Customisation

  • Redesigned a joint Home Screen and Lock Screen customisation page and improved the edit wallpaper flow for a more comprehensive view of options.
  • New Atmosphere wallpaper effect: Transform your background photo into a dynamic wallpaper that brings motion to colours on your home screen. A seamless transition between your lock and home screens.
  • Introduced solid colour wallpapers for a cleaner Home Screen appearance.
  • Added a monochrome colour theme in the basic colour section.

Glyph Interface

  • Get direct access to the Glyph Interface’s Music Visualisation feature (some of you may have already discovered it).
  • Improved overall Glyph light playback effect when synchronising with your device’s audio.
  • Added a new Glyph animation for when NFC is being used.
  • Improved the experience of Flip to Glyph.

Gesture

  • Customisable double-press power button to quickly access a chosen feature. Just head to Settings > System > Gestures.
  • More Lock Screen shortcut options like: Do Not Disturb, Mute, QR code scanner, video camera.
  • Capture screenshots quickly with a three-finger swipe gesture.
  • New screenshot editor and menu, allowing for more advanced editing features and quick deletions.
  • Refreshed the back gesture arrow visual to be more in line with Nothing’s style.

Quick Settings

  • Added support for switching ring modes in Quick Settings.
  • You can now directly set your network via Quick Settings without unlocking the device.
  • Updated Quick Settings layout and support to show more devices icons.

New Widgets

  • Pedometer Widget: Track your daily steps directly from your home screen. Set goals and monitor your progress to stay motivated.
  • Media Player Widget: Displays the currently playing song. Control your music easily while on-the-move.
  • Screen Time Widget: Monitor and manage your daily screen time to maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.

More improvements

  • Optimised the experience of the Weather app and improved the notification of weather alerts.
  • Made it possible to set ringtone and notification sound volumes separately, with an updated volume control interface.
  • Automatically excludes the preview of the previous screenshot when taking continuous screenshots.
  • Improved the stability of the camera.
  • Enhanced the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the system for a more fluid user experience.
  • Enhanced system stability and improved battery life.

We also have a video on this update, it will help understand users more in detail.

Ashok Mor (also known as TechiBee) owns a YouTube channel named TechiBee. He has been providing various tips, tricks and latest tech videos in the world of smartphones.

Apple

iOS 26.3 Update Brings Major Messaging, Privacy, and AI Improvements to iPhones

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iOS 26.3 update showcased on multiple iPhones highlighting new wallpapers and display design

iOS 26.3 update is shaping up to be one of the most important software releases for iPhone users in recent years, with Apple preparing meaningful upgrades that could impact hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. Currently available as a developer and public beta, the update highlights Apple’s growing focus on secure messaging, better cross-platform communication, and smarter system features.

iOS 18 RCS hero

iOS 26.3 Update Brings End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging

One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.3 is groundwork for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in RCS messaging. According to reports from MacRumors, Apple is enabling support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a key requirement for encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android users.

“The iOS 26.3 update focuses heavily on improving messaging privacy and cross-platform compatibility.”

Until now, iMessage conversations between iPhones have been encrypted, but chats with Android devices lacked the same level of privacy. With iOS 26.3, messages and attachments exchanged via RCS could gain the same protection, preventing third parties from reading them. However, carriers will ultimately decide when this feature is activated, which means rollout timelines may vary.

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iMessage-Style Features Coming to RCS

Beyond encryption, iOS 26.3 introduces several long-awaited messaging features for RCS chats. Users will be able to send in-line replies, edit sent messages, unsend messages, and finally use Tapback reactions like thumbs up or hearts without workarounds. These changes aim to make conversations between iPhone and Android feel far more seamless.

“With the iOS 26.3 update, Apple is addressing long-standing differences between iPhone and Android messaging.”

Apple has previously confirmed its commitment to improving RCS, and the latest beta suggests the wait may soon be over. The update is expected to support devices ranging from iPhone 11 to the upcoming iPhone 17.

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More Updates Beyond Messaging

The iOS 26.3 public beta, released earlier this week, also refines the process of transferring data from iPhone to Android. Additionally, users will notice an updated wallpaper gallery and new region-specific features, particularly for EU users.

“Overall, the iOS 26.3 update positions Apple’s Messages app as a more secure and modern communication platform.”

There are also references to Gemini, following the collaboration announcement between Apple and Google, hinting at deeper AI integration in future iPhone experiences.

What to Expect Next

While iOS 26.3 looks promising, it remains a beta. Some features may still change or be delayed before the final release. With carrier involvement required for encrypted RCS, the exact timeline remains uncertain, but the direction is clear: Apple is pushing iPhone messaging toward a more secure and unified future.

Also Read: Google Fast Pair Vulnerability: 17 Bluetooth Audio Devices Exposed to Dangerous Risk

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Android

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 Update Delivers Massive PerformanceBoost for Pixel Devices

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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 system update ready to install on Google Pixel smartphone

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 is now rolling out, and it marks a significant step forward in Google’s ongoing effort to refine the Android experience on Pixel smartphones. The update arrives shortly after the previous beta, showing Google’s aggressive pace in polishing the upcoming Quarterly Platform Release. It is available in two build versions: CP11.251209.007 for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for all other supported Pixel models.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 focuses on performance, stability, and usability

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 brings a wide range of under-the-hood improvements aimed at fixing some of the most common issues faced by Pixel users in recent builds. According to Google, this release addresses multiple stability, performance, and usability issues, making daily usage smoother and more reliable.

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Users who have been dealing with random app crashes, system freezes, or lag should notice a clear improvement after installing this update. Battery performance has also been optimized, with fixes targeting excessive battery drain and inconsistent charging behavior. These changes are expected to be especially noticeable during extended screen-on time and overnight standby.

Connectivity has received a strong boost as well. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 improves Wi-Fi reliability and speed while also enhancing call stability, reducing dropped calls and network-related interruptions. Alongside these changes, Google has refined parts of the user interface, resulting in smoother animations and more consistent system behavior.

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Google has shared a detailed changelog for this beta, and some of the most notable improvements were highlighted directly by the company on Reddit, giving early testers a clear idea of what to expect.

How to try Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 on your Pixel

If you are interested in testing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, you can enroll your compatible Pixel device in the Android Beta Program. Before installing, it is strongly recommended to back up all important data, as beta software can still contain unresolved bugs.

Overall, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 feels like a mature and meaningful update, bringing Pixel devices closer to a stable and polished Android 16 release.

Also Read: Gemini Personal Intelligence: 10 Things to Know About Google’s New AI

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Technology

Roblox Age Check for Chat: 7 Powerful Changes Improving Safety for Indian Users

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Roblox logo displayed in bold black text on a white background.

How Roblox Age Check for Chat Works in India

Roblox age check for chat has officially become mandatory in India, marking a significant shift in how online gaming platforms manage user safety and age-appropriate communication. Starting January 14, 2026, users must complete an age verification process before accessing chat features on Roblox, making it the first major gaming platform to enforce age checks for users of all ages

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The new system relies on facial age estimation, completed directly within the Roblox app using a device camera. The process takes only a few seconds and is designed with privacy in mind. Images and videos captured during verification are securely processed by Roblox’s partner Persona and deleted immediately after the age assessment is complete. Users aged 13 and above also have the option to verify their age using a government-issued ID.

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How Roblox Age Verification Works

Once the age check is completed, users are placed into one of six age groups: under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, and 21+. Chat access is automatically adjusted based on these groups. By default, users can communicate only with others in nearby age ranges, reducing the risk of inappropriate interactions between minors and adults. For children under nine, chat remains disabled unless a parent grants consent.

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Why Roblox Age Check for Chat Is Important for Safety

This update is part of Roblox’s broader safety strategy aimed at creating a more secure and age-appropriate environment. The company has already rolled out similar measures in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with millions of users worldwide completing age checks so far. Roblox also continuously monitors behavior signals and may request repeat verification if inconsistencies are detected.

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Parental Controls and User Support

Parents and caregivers gain additional control through Roblox’s parental tools, which allow them to review age-check status, update account details, and manage communication settings. Users who believe their age was incorrectly estimated can appeal through customer support or re-verify using alternative methods.

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With this move, Roblox sets a new standard for online gaming safety, balancing user privacy with responsible communication controls.

Also Read: Google Wallet Transaction History Update Delivers 3 Powerful Upgrades on Android

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