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Nothing Phone (2): Leaked Renders Reveal Rounded Design and Enhanced Camera
Nothing, the innovative tech company founded by Carl Pei, is gearing up to unveil its second smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2). While the official launch is scheduled for next month, early renders of the device have surfaced, showcasing a more rounded design and an upgraded dual camera setup. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the leaked renders, with Carl Pei himself calling them “fake” on Twitter. Let’s delve into the details and see what we can expect from Nothing’s upcoming device.
Nothing Phone (2) Renders
This Nothing Phone (2) shows the exact design from the testing unit leak and it was made by OnLeaks x Smartprix.
Design Changes and Enhanced Ergonomics
The leaked renders, provided by @OnLeaks and Smartprix, offer an intriguing glimpse into the design evolution of the Nothing Phone (2). Retaining the signature transparent back and eye-catching Glyph light strips, the new iteration presents notable changes. One noticeable difference is the adoption of rounded aluminum sides, giving the device a more ergonomic feel. Even the glass panels on the front and back display a subtle arc, departing from the squared-off design of its predecessor, the Phone (1).
Segmented Glyph Light Strips and Testing Stage Details
The Glyph interface, a distinctive feature of Nothing smartphones, has undergone a change in the Phone (2). The renders showcase segmented light strips, potentially allowing for enhanced customization and functionality. It serves as a status indicator, notification light, and a captivating visual element. Notably, the renders are based on a testing unit, suggesting that minor tweaks might still be implemented in the final design.
Dual Camera Setup and Flash Improvements
While many were anticipating a significant overhaul in the camera department, the leaked renders indicate that the Nothing Phone (2) will retain a dual-camera configuration. However, there is an enhancement in the form of a dual-LED flash, offering potentially improved low-light photography capabilities. It remains to be seen if Nothing has made any software optimizations to complement the hardware upgrades.
Moving Upmarket with Mid-Range Focus
Nothing aims to position the Phone (2) as a more premium offering by incorporating the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. However, the device is expected to target the mid-range segment rather than directly competing with flagship smartphones. The pricing details have yet to be disclosed, but it will be intriguing to see if the Phone (2) maintains a similar price point to its predecessor, which launched at €470/£400/₹33,000. Additionally, the Nothing Phone (2) is confirmed to launch in the United States, expanding its availability beyond previous markets.
Carl Pei Denies the Leak
The leaked renders quickly gained traction on social media, with the hashtag #NothingPhone2 trending on Twitter. However, Carl Pei, the co-founder of Nothing, raised doubts about the authenticity of the renders by posting a tweet with the word “fake.” This has added an element of uncertainty to the leaked design, leaving fans and tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipating further updates and official announcements from Nothing regarding the Phone (2)’s true design.
As anticipation builds for the official unveiling of the Nothing Phone (2), leaked renders have given us an early glimpse into the device’s potential design and features. The rounded design, dual camera setup, and segmented Glyph light strips indicate an evolution from the Phone (1) while maintaining Nothing’s distinctive aesthetic. Nevertheless, with the controversy surrounding Carl Pei’s dismissal of the renders as fake, it remains to be seen whether the leaked images accurately depict the upcoming smartphone. Fans and industry watchers eagerly await further updates to see what Nothing has in store for its second smartphone offering.
Apple App Store Commission in China Reduced After Regulatory Pressure
Apple App Store Commission in China has been reduced following increasing pressure from Chinese regulators, marking a notable shift in Apple’s long-standing App Store fee structure. The move is expected to benefit developers operating within the Chinese digital ecosystem and could influence discussions about app marketplace policies globally.
For many years, Apple maintained a commission model that charged developers up to 30 percent on paid apps and in-app purchases distributed through the App Store. Smaller developers participating in Apple’s Small Business Program typically paid around 15 percent. However, concerns about platform dominance and developer fairness have prompted regulators in several countries, including China, to examine the fee structure used by major technology platforms.
Recent reports indicate that Apple has now reduced the Apple App Store commission in China, lowering the standard commission rate for developers and offering additional relief to smaller app creators. The policy change is expected to save developers hundreds of millions of dollars annually, giving them more flexibility to invest in product development and services.
Why Apple Adjusted the App Store Commission
China represents one of Apple’s most important markets, not only for hardware sales but also for digital services such as the App Store. Millions of developers distribute applications through the platform, making commission policies a critical issue for the broader app economy.
Chinese regulators have recently intensified their focus on ensuring fair competition within digital marketplaces. Large technology companies have been encouraged to adopt more transparent business practices and reduce barriers for developers.
By lowering the Apple App Store commission in China, Apple appears to be responding to regulatory concerns while strengthening its relationship with local developers and authorities.
Impact on Developers and the App Economy
Lower commission fees mean developers can keep a larger share of their revenue. This change could encourage more startups and independent developers to launch apps within the Chinese App Store ecosystem.
Industry experts believe the reduction in the Apple App Store commission in China could stimulate innovation and increase the number of new apps entering the marketplace. More favorable revenue sharing may also improve long-term sustainability for smaller developers.
Although Apple has not announced similar commission reductions globally, the change in China highlights how regulatory influence can reshape policies within major digital platforms.
Source: Reuters
Also Read: OxygenOS 16.0.5 March Update Brings “Call to Block” Feature and System Improvements
OxygenOS 16.0.5 March Update
OxygenOS 16.0.5 March Update is now rolling out to several OnePlus smartphones, introducing new functionality along with important security and system improvements. The update focuses on improving user convenience, enhancing device security, and adding smarter tools to manage unwanted calls.
One of the most notable additions in this update is the Call to Block feature, which allows users to instantly block numbers directly from the call interface. Instead of navigating through multiple settings menus, users can now block spam or unwanted callers with just a single action during or after a call.
New “Call to Block” Feature Explained
The new Call to Block option is designed to simplify the process of dealing with spam calls. With this feature, users can quickly block suspicious or unwanted numbers directly from the call screen. This small but useful addition helps improve everyday usability and saves time when managing frequent spam calls.
The feature integrates seamlessly into the existing phone dialer, ensuring the blocking process is fast and intuitive.
Performance Improvements and Security Enhancements
Apart from the new call blocking capability, the OxygenOS 16.0.5 update also includes several performance optimizations. Users may notice smoother system navigation, improved stability, and better overall responsiveness.
The update also integrates the latest March Android security patch, which strengthens device protection against vulnerabilities and potential security risks. Regular security updates are essential for maintaining data safety and improving the long-term reliability of smartphones.
Should You Install the Update?
If the update is available for your OnePlus device, installing it is recommended. Along with the new Call to Block feature, the update delivers improved system stability and updated security protections. These incremental improvements help maintain smooth performance while also enhancing everyday usability.
As with most system updates, the rollout may happen in stages. Some users might receive the update earlier, while others may get it over the next few days.
Overall, OxygenOS 16.0.5 continues to refine the software experience by adding practical features and strengthening system reliability for OnePlus users.
Also Read: Google Maps Ask Maps Feature: 5 Powerful Gemini AI Upgrades That Transform Navigation
Google Maps Ask Maps Feature
Google Maps Ask Maps feature is a new AI-powered capability introduced by Google that allows users to ask conversational questions directly within the Maps app. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, this feature transforms the navigation app into a smarter travel assistant capable of understanding complex queries and providing personalized recommendations.
Traditionally, Google Maps required users to search using simple keywords like “restaurants near me” or “gas station nearby.” With the Ask Maps feature, users can now ask detailed questions such as finding quiet cafés with charging points, planning a scenic road trip, or discovering less crowded places to visit. The system analyzes Maps data, including reviews, photos, and location insights, to deliver accurate and contextual results.
How Gemini AI Improves Google Maps
The integration of Gemini AI enables Google Maps to process natural language queries more effectively. Instead of multiple searches, users can ask complex questions in one go and receive detailed responses tailored to their needs. This conversational experience makes exploring new places easier and more intuitive.
For example, a traveler can ask Maps to suggest a route with scenic stops or find restaurants that match specific preferences. Gemini evaluates various factors such as location data, ratings, and user preferences to generate personalized suggestions. Over time, the system can adapt to user behavior and deliver more relevant recommendations.
Immersive Navigation Enhances the Driving Experience
Alongside Ask Maps, Google has also introduced Immersive Navigation, a visual upgrade designed to improve driving guidance. This feature provides detailed 3D visuals of roads, terrain, buildings, and landmarks, making it easier for drivers to understand complex intersections and route changes.
The navigation interface can highlight important elements like lanes, crosswalks, traffic signals, and nearby landmarks. These enhancements aim to provide better situational awareness and reduce confusion during navigation.
Availability and Future Expansion
Google has begun rolling out the Ask Maps feature on Android and iOS devices in the United States and India, with plans to expand to additional regions and desktop platforms in the future.
This update represents one of the most significant upgrades to Google Maps in years, positioning the platform as an intelligent travel companion rather than just a navigation tool. By combining AI-driven recommendations with immersive navigation, Google aims to simplify how people discover places, plan trips, and move around cities.
Also Read: AltStore PAL Joins the Fediverse: A New Era for Decentralized App Discovery on iOS