Tag Archives: nothing

3D Printed CMF Phone 1 cases thrive in the phone’s innovative modular design

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The dream of the modular smartphone proposed by the likes of Project Ara and the LG G5 might have failed to become lasting reality, but there is more than one way to actually implement a modular design. Unveiled just last month, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing tackled the problem from a different angle, one that didn’t change the smartphone design formula too much while still kicking the doors wide open for modular accessories. It’s not surprising that there was a sudden burst of creativity trying to take advantage of this new platform, and thanks to 3D printing, we can behold some of the rather curious ideas creators have when pushing the possibilities of this modular system to the extreme.

Designers: w1utree, BuildBryce, Kaburuk

To be clear, the CMF Phone 1 itself isn’t modular, but its removable back cover invites all kinds of modular accessories and attachments. As long as you can screw it on the back of the phone and retain its usability, everything is fair game. Those accessories can range from simple loops and stands to bottle openers and miniature Nerf guns. As long as you can 3D print it, anything’s possible.

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The Modular Sliding System, for example, has a creative design that integrates three sliding modules that can be a pen, an SD card holder, and even a comb. The top and bottom sliding modules unfortunately have to be curved to take into account the position of the screws on the CMF Phone 1’s back. Switching out modules is quite simple, and there’s plenty of room for other tools that you might want to always have in your pocket all the time.

The Brick Case is a bit less ambitious but even more creative, and yes, it practically turns the CMF Phone 1 into one large LEGO-like brick. At first glance, it might seem like a cosmetic design only, putting a LEGO scene on the back of your phone when that can only be appreciated or used if the phone is placed face down on a table. With some imagination and design work, however, it might be possible to 3D print functional modules as well, like one that puts a pad of sticky notes on the back of your phone.

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Coming completely out of the left field, the Foam Dart Launcher turns the CMF Phone 1 into a toy. It’s pretty much a one-shot mini Nerf gun, used to surprise friends or colleagues. It obviously has no practical benefit, but it does demonstrate the wide range of possibilities offered by the simple yet ingenious modular design of the CMF Phone 1.

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CMF-inspired clock concept with appealing aesthetics could benefit from a dose of connected features

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The see-through aesthetics of the Nothing earbuds and then the Phone (1) have inspired numerous concept designs. All these products spill the transparency of consumer electronics hardware into forms we never thought of, but love. CMF By Nothing is a more accessible brand that carries the same design philosophy and we’ve not seen many CMF-inspired designs until now.

Meet the CMF Clock concept that reimagines the reliable ticker on your wall in modern attire. The design leverages the harmonious integration of color palettes, material choices and surface finishes to mimic the CMF’s philosophy. According to the designer, this ensures the final product is a true reflection of the brand and timeless design sensibilities.

Designer: Kedar Bagaria

The aspiration for this project is to elevate the status quo of the good old wall clock, creating a balance between both form and function. Also, the vision of the concept is to pen down a design that functions as a timepiece and elevates the aesthetic appeal of any interior space – whether it’s your home or office. The depth of perception is portrayed via the shorter seconds hand while the hours and minute hands are signified by the semi-circular shaped disks running along the diameter of the clock dial.

The color palette chosen is a balanced Sierra of white, grey, black and the signature orange. The concept is imagined in three different color variants – one emphasizing the whites, the other the blacks, and the last one going for an overpowering orange look. While the design here looks gorgeous for a geeky den, we longed for an integrated functional approach that is aligned with modern needs. Things like connected features for showing important notifications, calendar updates, schedules, or preferred pings from social media apps.

The technology to superimpose a thin smart display on top and connected hardware modules like WiFi or Bluetooth will enhance the overall appeal of such a consumer product.

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Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Review: It Keeps Getting Better

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PROS:


  • Elegant transparent design and Glyph Interface

  • Improved performance across the board

  • 50MP selfie camera

  • Sustainabile design

CONS:


  • No telephoto camera

  • No wireless charging

  • Spotty operator compatibility in the US

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus delivers on its promise of an optimal and accessible daily driver that builds on the essentials and gets it almost perfect.

It hasn’t been that long since we reviewed Nothing’s latest masterpiece, the Phone (2a) which was designed to offer an “optimal” daily smartphone. It was another way of describing what most would bill as a mid-tier device, though it was definitely one that lived up to its hype in both design and performance. It was far from perfect, of course, but it wasn’t bad either. And yet here we are now with a “Plus” version out of nowhere, not a larger version but one that promises a more premium experience, at least compared to the Phone (2a). Color us intrigued, despite the obvious monochrome motif, so we gave the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a few spins to see if it really has something to be proud of.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

By now, Nothing’s design identity has been well established. It may not be the geeky full transparency many have hoped for, but it definitely managed to strike a beautiful balance between technology and art in its phones. To some extent, that design is even more refined in the Phone (2a) series, with its own unique patterns of opaque lanes snaking down the phone’s back, not unlike roads on a map. It feels like it has a story to tell, not just a composition of shapes, lights, and shadows.

Nothing also embraced that cute little oddity we noticed on the Phone (2a): a face on the back of your phone. The placement of the two cameras in the middle of the NFC coil is no accident, and the company says it gives an anthropomorphic character, almost literally. It’s like having a pair of eyes on a cartoony circular face looking at you, or at least at the person in front of you. It is not by coincidence, either, that the Phone (2a) Plus’s silicon brain actually sits beneath this face as well.

There’s also the Glyph Interface, of course, at least the toned-down version. It might not have the same head-turning effect as the TRON-like Phone (2), but it’s more practical, more efficient, and also longer-lasting. It remains useful and visible even after the novelty has worn off.

Of course, these are design elements that the Phone (2a) also has, but what sets the “Plus” model apart is its more elegant finish. The Phone (2a) Plus has a metallic edge that’s not simply machined and then polished but is actually a product of multiple intricate processes, which is to say it’s quite a laborious and somewhat costly design. It’s well worth it, however, if only for the fact that it gives the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus a more stylish and premium look that raises its profile to the same level as more expensive handsets.

Ergonomics

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a few upgrades inside that we’ll get to in a moment, but despite the internal and material changes, it remains just as lightweight as the Phone (2a), exactly 190g light, in fact. This makes the phone incredibly easy to hold without feeling flimsy or cheap. That’s very important given how large the phone actually is.

The design of the edges also helps improve that grip. Nothing adheres to that modern flat design school that gives phones more angled edges that lodge themselves into your hand without biting into your skin. It is yet another balancing act that Nothing gets right, allowing users to hold such a big phone with confidence.

Performance

The biggest divide that separates the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus can be found inside, starting with the new MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G that Nothing says was developed exclusively for the brand. It’s definitely a step up from the stock Dimensity 7200 of the Phone (2a), especially by the fact that it can run at 3.0GHz max. It also has a stronger GPU with the Mali-G610 MC4 clocked 30% faster at 1.3GHz. What all these mean in practice is that the phone is even better equipped to handle mobile games, let alone the everyday tasks you throw at it. You’ll still have to dial down the settings, of course, but not to the point that games lose their visual flavor and appeal.

The large 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen definitely contributes to an enjoyable multimedia experience, especially with its 120Hz refresh rate. The display is vibrant and bright, but not so bright that it will strain your eyes. For that, it supports 2160Hz PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) dimming, supporting longer screen time use, though it’s still advisable to take regular breaks, regardless.

The other big upgrade that the Phone (2a) Plus boasts of is the triple 50MP camera system. No, there are still only two cameras on the back, and both definitely produce impressive output. The newcomer is the 50MP front-facing camera, up from the already good 32MP shooter from the Phone (2a). This is a Samsung JN1 with an F2.2 aperture lens and a wide 81.2-degree field of view. Suffice it to say, whether you’re taking selfies or food pics, you’ll be treated to clear, crisp, and detailed photos, even at night.

Despite the slightly more powerful hardware, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus retains the same 5,000 mAh battery. It’s still a large and generous serving by today’s standards, so you shouldn’t be worrying about going empty in the middle of the day. For the Plus model, Nothing upped the charging speed a bit to 50W from 45W. It’s not exactly the fastest on the block, but bigger brands have done worse. Sadly, there’s still no wireless charging here, which is disappointing but not unexpected. In the grand scheme of things, that is probably the least of people’s needs for a phone on this tier.

Part of the Nothing Phone’s appeal is its take on the Android experience, and the Phone (2a) Plus definitely has that down to a “T,” including the new AI buzzword. Nothing OS has been famed for its minimalist aesthetic, especially when it comes to home screen widgets. Version 2.6 adds new widgets to that set, and productivity buffs will love the new Date widget for important reminders. There’s also ChatGPT integration for getting the answers you need quickly, though it might be a controversial feature considering some privacy concerns.

Sustainability

Nothing has always positioned itself as a design-conscious company, and designers these days are also conscious of the impact that their designs have on the environment. This is especially true in the smartphone industry where material waste from production and electronic waste from discarded products continue to rise each year as more and more devices are made. That’s why it’s quite encouraging to see Nothing’s efforts in this area, from using 100% recycled aluminum for the midframe to sustainably sourcing over 50% of the Phone (2a) Plus’ plastic parts. It even reuses plastic waste from the production of the Ear (2) buds for this phone.

The Phone (2a) Plus also scores a few points for longevity, particularly with its IP54 dust and water resistance rating. We wish it had a longer software support period, which currently stands at 3 years for Android updates and 4 years for security patches. That can change somewhere down the road, and we hope it does. Where it doesn’t do well is repairability, which isn’t all that surprising considering its uncommon design. Nothing is still young, though, and with the CMF sub-brand, we could see some improvement in that regard as well.

Value

If the Phone (2a) already provided great value for its price, the Phone (2a) Plus takes that a step further. Better performance, a better selfie camera, a slightly faster charging battery, and a great distinctive design all make this handset a great sell. At only $399 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it even practically makes the $349 Phone (2a) almost ignorable, strange as that may sound. It is definitely worth considering for your everyday driver, presuming you can get your hands on one.

That is the bit that slightly takes away some of the Phone (2a) Plus’ appeal. You can always import the phone if no local store or carrier offers it, but you will have to do your own research to make sure you can actually use it in your locale. In the US, for example, it doesn’t support AT&T’s 5G network at all and only some of T-Mobile’s 5G bands. Verizon has “limited support,” which means you can use it at your own risk. It’s hardly Nothing’s fault, but it does show some of the disadvantages of being a small fish in such a large pond.

Verdict

The arrival of the Phone (2a) Plus was quite a surprise. Definitely a pleasant one, but a surprise nonetheless. It’s not like the Phone (2a) wasn’t a good phone, but now there might be even fewer reasons for people to want one other than availability and that $50 difference. That’s because the Phone (2a) Plus practically addresses some of the imperfections of its older sibling without taking away any of its charm. It definitely lives up to its promise of a powerful everyday driver, whether you’re scrolling through social media, responding to emails, or even passing the time with games.

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CMF Watch Pro 2: A Customizable Smartwatch with Gesture Control and an AMOLED Display

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It’s usually said that October is the busiest time for phone launches. It’s often when Apple announces its entire iPhone lineup, and Google its Pixel lineup too. The term Techtober is often floated about to describe this busy time, but that era’s changed. With Nothing’s sub-brand CMF announcing gadgets on 8th of July, a speculated Google event in August, and IFA Berlin in September, it does seem like the tech rollout is starting well before October. CMF by Nothing is slated to announce three products tomorrow, with their first smartphone dubbed the Phone 1 (not to be confused with the Nothing Phone (1)), and upgrades to their Buds and Watch lineup. The Watch Pro 2, which has already surfaced online, sees a radical design change this year. Instead of the rectangular display on last year’s Watch Pro, the sophomore smartwatch from the brand pivots to a circular screen. It’s an interesting choice, given that CMF will have had to redo the entire UI and OS to match this new display shape.

The redesign isn’t without reason, given that the watch is now expected to come with detachable bezels (which may also play a part in the watch’s OS). A button on the side gets replaced with a rotating crown, and the Watch Pro 2 finally looks like it’s taking on a distinct aesthetic that makes it stand out from the rest of the smartwatches out there… and that can only be a good thing.

Designer: CMF by Nothing

As per the images, the CMF Watch Pro 2 features a classic round dial design with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display. This display technology promises rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent visibility even under bright sunlight. An exciting addition is the inclusion of interchangeable bezels, allowing users to personalize the watch’s look to match their outfit or occasion. The watch is confirmed to also come with gesture controls, although the specific gestures and their functionalities remain to be revealed. This feature has the potential to streamline user interaction with the watch, making it more intuitive and convenient.

Indian Actress Rashmika Mandanna models for the Watch Pro 2

Technical specifications like battery life and processor details are yet to be officially confirmed. However, its predecessor, the Watch Pro, offered a commendable 2-week battery life on a single charge. With the CMF Watch Pro 2, we can expect similar or potentially improved battery performance. The CMF Watch Pro 2 is expected to launch alongside the CMF Phone 1 on July 8th. While the pricing details are yet to be revealed, considering the upgrades, we can expect a slight increase compared to the previous model’s launch price of Rs 4,499 (approx $54 USD).

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Nothing Headphones with physical glyph interface let’s you display your mood

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Nothing as a transparent brand reflects its vision in the see-through aesthetics of each of its offerings. The intricate working of the tech is visible, highlighting the beauty of simplicity which has resonated with many fans of the Carl Pei. They’ve focused on audio products, mainly earbuds with an official pair of headphones not far from fruition.

The inspirational transparent design of their phone and earbuds has captured the imagination of designers who’ve mustered up their thoughts on presenting what a pair of Nothing headphones would look and feel like. Case in point, the concept AIAIAI Headphones, Headset 1 and head (1). Now yet another concept pair dubbed Head.Phone (1) caught my attention for all the right reasons.

Designer: Niloy Lahiri

Where this concept design sets itself apart from those other iterations is the smart use of the Glyph interface in the headphones. It’s more aggressive looking with physically moving Glyphs that can be customized to send cool messages to the on-lookers. The texture is very nice, something that Nothing would love. The color and finish of the materials are impressive with detailing in the right places. Transparent design elements flow down to the headbands which give it the typical DNA of the brand.

The ANC, transparency and normal modes can be toggled from the physical glyph interface. The ANC mode is represented by the closing Glyph lights, while transparency has a more open representation. This way, anyone talking to you can visually understand whether you are open to conversations or just in your zone, preferring not to be disturbed. Features and specifications apart from these over-the-ear headphones will freshen up the otherwise predictable market led by consumer-centric options from Sony, Apple, Sennheiser and Bose.

Although the designer didn’t intend to create a pair that is inspired by the Teenage Engineering elements, this concept has telltale good looks. So why wear a pair that seems more or less contemporary, when you could (in the future) get the option to sport a one from Nothing?

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Nothing Phone (2a) special edition in Super Nintendo-inspired colors is a conversation starter

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Nothing is evolving in the right direction with its lineup of phones and audio accessories. The brand wants to a wider chunk of the consumer market who want a device that’s not flagship-grade but still has a design distinction without going too heavy on gimmicks. Yes, I’m talking about the Phone (2a) smartphone that has the right set of specifications for normal users.

Now, Nothing Phone (2a) is coming in a special edition version that looks absolutely stunning. Especially, gamers and nerds will trip over this for sure. On pure looks, it closely resembles the Super Nintendo controller with the red, yellow and blue hues in immaculate form. Make no mistake the smartphone market is saturated and being distinct has its brownie points. The colors come from the brand’s use of these colors on the first earbuds and the blue on the Phone (2a).

Designer: Nothing

On the inside, the Android 14 phone has the exact same hardware as the original version. There’s an 8-core chip Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, 20 GB RAM, and a 5000 mAh battery that’s bigger than the flagship Phone 2 device. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display having 1,300 nits peak brightness and 120 Hz refresh rate should suffice your multimedia needs without any regrets. On the rear, the phone has a 50MP camera with optical image stabilization and 4K video recording capability. Even the front selfie camera can shoot at 1080p – 60 FPS.

Interested buyers can order the Phone (2a) Special Edition from Nothing’s website or the Product drop at Soho store in London on June 1, in 12GB and 256GB storage configuration. The price tag of $444 will mostly interest Gen-Z. There’s no word about the US launch but we’ll keep you updated.

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Leaks suggest a Cheaper $249 version of the Nothing (2a) Smartphone under its CMF sub-brand

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Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, has carved a niche for itself in the tech world with various accessories. But it seems they’re about to step outside their comfort zone and enter the smartphone arena. Leaks suggest their first phone, the CMF Phone (1), might be a budget-friendly alternative to the recently released Nothing Phone (2a). According to reliable leaker and developer MlgmXyysd, the CMF Phone (1) borrows heavily from the Nothing Phone (2a)’s core specifications. It notably, however, comes in the signature CMF colors of black, white, or its iconic orange, and sports an alleged $249 price tag, undercutting the Nothing Phone (2a) by $100.

Designer: CMF by Nothing

Just like the (2a), the CMF Phone (1) is rumored to pack a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, a capable processor for everyday tasks. It’ll also likely share the same 5000 mAh battery capacity, offering long-lasting power on a single charge. However, the CMF Phone (1) might compromise a bit on fast charging capabilities. While the Nothing Phone (2a) supports 45W fast charging, the CMF Phone (1) is tipped for 33W. This translates to slightly longer charging times, but hey, the phone costs less than some GaN chargers!

The display seems identical on both phones – a generous 6.67-inch OLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This offers a clear and vibrant viewing experience, along with butter-smooth scrolling. The camera department on the CMF Phone (1) is still under wraps, with rumors suggesting a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor.

One key difference between the two phones could be in design. The CMF Phone (1) is expected to have a replaceable plastic back, a departure from the Nothing Phone 2a’s unique transparent design with integrated LED lighting elements. This plastic back might make the CMF Phone (1) more affordable to produce and potentially more durable for users who are prone to accidental drops.

The leaks also mention a “Nothing Lock” feature, which could be related to exclusive CMF accessories that snap onto the phone’s back using the replaceable cover. Storage options are said to range up to 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM, offering ample space for apps and files for most users.

The CMF Phone (1) is expected to be a budget-conscious option, with a starting price rumored to be rather low, and although leaked images say €149, tipsters have suggested a price range of $249 to $279 USD. It is likely to come in a variety of colors, including Black, Green, Blue, and an India-exclusive Orange.

Leaked image of the alleged CMF Phone (1)

While it might not boast the same eye-catching design as the Nothing Phone (2a), the CMF Phone (1) could be Nothing’s Nord or Poco Phone moment, allowing it to become accessible to an even larger audience. With a large display, a capable processor, and a long-lasting battery, the CMF Phone (1) might shake up the budget smartphone market if these leaks hold true.

Image Credits: Sarang Sheth

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Nothing just beat Apple by bringing ChatGPT to all its TWS earbuds… even the older models

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London-based tech company Nothing is making waves in the tech world by expanding its integration of ChatGPT, a powerful AI language model, to a wider range of its audio devices. This move comes just a month after the feature debuted on the company’s latest earbuds, the Ear and Ear (a), and their smartphone lineup… and coincidentally, just hours before Google’s I/O event, where the company’s expected to announce an entire slew of AI features and upgrades.

The earlier-than-expected rollout signifies Nothing’s commitment to bringing advanced AI features to everyday tech. This integration isn’t limited to Nothing-branded devices; it extends to their sub-brand CMF as well. Users with older Nothing and CMF earbud models, including the Ear (1), Ear (stick), Ear (2), CMF Neckband Pro, and CMF Buds Pro, will be able to leverage the capabilities of ChatGPT starting May 21st with a simple update to the Nothing X app. It also cleverly pre-empts Apple, which is allegedly working with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to future models of the iPhone.

Read the Nothing Ear (a) Review here

There’s a caveat, however. To enjoy the benefits of ChatGPT through your Nothing or CMF earbuds, you’ll need to be using them with a Nothing smartphone running Nothing OS 2.5.5 or later. The good news is that activating ChatGPT is a breeze. Once you’ve updated the Nothing X app, you can enable a new gesture feature that allows you to initiate conversations with the AI assistant by simply pinching the stem of your earbuds.

This development signifies a growing trend in the tech industry: embedding AI assistants directly into consumer devices. By offering voice control through earbuds, Nothing is making it easier for users to perform everyday tasks hands-free, like checking the weather or controlling music playback. Imagine asking your earbuds for directions while jogging or requesting a quick weather update during your commute – all without reaching for your phone.

The move comes at a perfect time, right between OpenAI’s GPT-4o announcement, and Google’s I/O event, which will include multiple AI improvements including integration of Gemini AI into a vast variety of Google products as well as with the Pixel hardware lineup.

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Nothing Ear and Ear (a) Buds Review: It’s Nothing To Scoff At

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PROS:


  • Vibrant and more ergonomic Nothing Ear (a) design

  • Beautiful, eye-catching design with a competitive price tag

  • Quality audio output with plenty of convenient smart features

CONS:


  • Nothing Ear only available in Black or White options

  • Nothing Ear (a) case only has IPX2 water resistance


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) builds on an already successful formula without straying from the brand's design identity.

It’s not unusual to see a company take a different direction after it launches a successful product or two. Improvements have to be made, of course, but there are times when upgrades turn into almost completely different products that seem to stray away from what made those successful designs successful. By renaming its earbuds to a simple “Ear” and dropping the number after it, some might think that Nothing has gone back to the drawing board to rebrand and redesign. Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about since the new Ear and Ear (a) look almost exactly the same, so we give it a test to see, or rather hear, if its beauty is skin deep or if it’s something you’ll want to listen to.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

At its birth, Nothing made bold claims and used Apple-like language to describe its design philosophy, and for the most part, it has been able to prove its words. It has established a distinct aesthetic not just with the Nothing Phone at also with all iterations of its Ear wireless buds. Technically the fourth generation after two numbered Ears and one Stick, the new Ear and Ear (a) thankfully retains that transparent stem design paired with opaque buds, staying true to form and keeping what its customers love about its products.

Of course, that does also mean that you won’t be able to distinguish the new Ear from the Ear (2), at least not visually. All of the changes are internal, which you can technically see because of the transparent design but not recognized. You get the upgraded experience and new features without losing the Ear’s eye-catching design, nor do you miss out on the quality materials that give the buds and its case their premium character.

If you want something fresh, you’ll have to look at the Nothing Ear (a) instead. While the buds themselves remain the same, the case transforms into a more rectangular shape that still has a transparent cover like the regular Ear. The new case also has a few important usability improvements, which we’ll get to later. The biggest difference between the Ear and Ear (a), however, is the bright new yellow color available only for the Ear (a) model. The choice of color wasn’t simply based on a whim, as Nothing compares it to its design philosophy of transparency, stripping away unnecessary colors and leaving only the primary hues. Perhaps it’s a hint that future Ears will be available in Cyan and Magenta.

In terms of aesthetics, Nothing has thankfully stayed true to both the spirit and the application of its design philosophy. You have an elegant and minimalist earbud design that embodies transparency literally and figuratively. The Ear (a) takes that a bit further in the direction of joyful play with a bright yellow finish. It would have been great if both Ear and Ear (a) shared the same color selection, but it’s understandable that Nothing wants to target different groups with different designs while still holding true to its core design values.

Ergonomics

One of the benefits of sticking to a tried and tested design is that you don’t have to worry about whether it works or not. In this case, the Nothing Ear’s usability has already been proven since the first generation, so you can be sure that you will be enjoying a tight seal and a comfortable fit like others before it. That said, there will always be exceptions, especially for those with ear shapes that the included tips don’t support. Unfortunately, Nothing has yet to provide a solution to that problem, like with extra tips to fit less common ears.

Since the case of the Nothing Ear hasn’t changed in the slightest, its ergonomics remain the same as the Ear (2). You still have a compact square shape that opens up like a clamshell, complete with that odd dimple that lets you precariously use the case as a fidget toy. It almost means, however, that the new Ear’s case still bears the same shortcomings as well, which the Ear (a)’s case thankfully fixes.

The rounded rectangular case of the Nothing Ear (a) has softer edges that make it more comfortable to hold in the hand. More importantly, however, you can clearly see its orientation so you won’t have to pause for a second to figure out which direction it opens. And unlike the Nothing Ear case, this yellow bubble-like container has markings to make it easy to see which bud goes in which slot. The red dot matches the dot of the same color on the right Ear (a) bud, while white is the color for the left bud. It’s a trivial addition but one that has a significant impact on the product’s usability.

Performance

You’ve undoubtedly come across designs that are so captivating yet fail to impress when it comes to functionality. That is fortunately not the case for the new Nothing Ear and Ear (a), and this is where the earbuds really prove to be worthy upgrades. Suffice it to say, you won’t be disappointed by the sound that you will hear, especially when you consider how much the buds cost.

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) both boast new 11m drivers, though the higher-end model uses a ceramic material for even better audio clarity. In practice, this means that both buds are nearly equal in terms of audio output, producing clear, bold sounds with depth, especially when you turn on the bass enhance setting on the Nothing X app. Admittedly, it’s not going to compete with premium earbuds that cost nearly twice as much, but you won’t find both Ears lacking either. You get a well-balanced audio performance that makes listening to music, especially to classical music, a joy.

You can, of course, tweak the experience with the equalizer available in the mobile app, but the Nothing Ear does one thing more than the Ear (a). You can create a personalized sound profile by going through a series of tests so that you can be assured of the best quality possible given your ear shape and the tips you’re using. It takes the Ear’s performance to the next level, but not all people will be willing to pay the literal price for advanced features they may or may not even notice.

The good news is that, for all intents and purposes, the two new Nothing earbuds have the same feature set and perform quite similarly in that regard. Active Noise Cancellation, which has three levels of sensitivity, is quite effective, though definitely not on the same level as those more expensive brands. You can also set the app to automatically switch between ANC levels depending on the amount of ambient noise, which doesn’t always kick in immediately. There’s also a transparency mode that works in the opposite direction to let external sounds in, useful when you need to talk to someone or be aware of your surroundings.

Another trait the two share in common is dual connectivity, where you can pair the buds to two devices at the same time. They will switch between the two depending on which device is active, so you can take a call on your phone and then resume listening to music from your laptop afterward. In-ear detection is also automatic, and it will pause or resume playback when you remove and put back one or both of the buds in your ear.

Battery life is also one of the key upgrades in this generation of Nothing earbuds. The Ear can last a little over 5 hours with ANC on, while the Ear (a) somewhat ironically lasts longer over 5.5 hours in the same condition. Those figures nearly double if you turn ANC off, and the cases can charge the buds around three more times for extended use.

Sustainability

Nothing has always been a strong proponent of sustainable practices from the get-go, and the Ear and the Ear (a) thankfully don’t diverge from that path. The buds themselves might not be made from recycled materials, aside from the 100% recycled tin solder paste, but everything else about their manufacturing and packaging takes positive steps towards taking care of the environment. In addition to plastic-free packaging and carbon footprint labels, Nothing also uses renewable energy in the final assembly of the earbuds.

Given their size, the tendency to lose at least one of the pair, and their fragile designs, many earbuds have become almost disposable accessories, even if you’d cry over their price tag. The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) are thankfully built to last, though not exactly on equal footing. Both buds are IP54 dust and water-resistant, but only the Ear’s case enjoys an IP55 rating. The Ear (a), unfortunately, can only claim IPX2 water resistance, so you’ll probably be more careful that the yellow box doesn’t meet accidents.

Value

Despite the upgrades, the Nothing Ear doesn’t change its price tag from the $149 of its predecessor. The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, introduces a new $99 option in between the Ear and the $79 Ear (stick). Given its impressive performance and eye-catching design, those prices are quite a steal. The bigger question, however, is which of the two you should grab.

Unfortunately, things don’t seem to be in favor of the Nothing Ear. Yes, it has more features like a personal sound profile, a slightly better audio quality, and a more durable case, but not all of these will be deal breakers. In contrast, the Ear (a) offers comparable performance, a slightly longer battery life, a more ergonomic case, and a new yellow color option in addition to the typical white and black, all for a $50 lower price tag. There is a chance that the majority of buyers will prefer the Nothing Ear (a), especially the yellow option, but more discerning audiophiles won’t go wrong with the higher-end Nothing Ear.

Verdict

At first glance, the Nothing Ear seems like a simple rehash of an old design. It does, however, invite us to look deeper to go beyond what the eyes can see, and the product’s transparency is exactly a metaphor for that mindset. It brings together a familiar, stylish design and quality performance without extraneous features that distract you from the essentials. Best of all, it doesn’t even ask for more despite the noticeable improvements in the overall experience.

The Nothing Ear (a) sends a slightly different message with its vibrant color and more playful shape. It still clearly has Nothing’s design DNA but mixes it up with a fun identity that doesn’t skimp on the important bits. It says that you don’t have to go overboard, both in features and in price, to have a good time, and both the Ear and Ear (a) offer a delightful design that not only gets the basics right but goes above and beyond for a truly memorable experience each time you put them on.

The post Nothing Ear and Ear (a) Buds Review: It’s Nothing To Scoff At first appeared on Yanko Design.

Flip phone concept aims to inspire creativity with Nokia, Nothing aesthetics

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It may have been criticized for flooding the mobile phone market with dozens of confusing designs, but Nokia’s seemingly eccentric designs sometimes hit the right marks when it comes to uniqueness, aesthetics, or usability. From the XpressMusic to the N-Gage to the Communicator, there are times when those designs felt far ahead of their time, which didn’t do their sales any favors. There has been a great deal of interest in revisiting these designs, most of which, however, only make sense for non-smart feature phones like the ones HMD is offering. One particular design, however, might find a place in this modern world that’s obsessed with taking photos and recording videos, especially if it gets a little Nothing-inspired facelift.

Designer: Viet Doan Duc

Flip phones or clamshell designs are nothing new, even if the recent generation of foldable phones has given birth to their renaissance. The Nokia N90, however, did more than just open up in a stylish way to reveal a bigger screen and a large T9 keypad inside. It could also twist its top half so that you could hold it like a camcorder and feel more like a proper content creator. That was 20 years ago, even before the word “influencer” or even “YouTube” came to light. Now smartphones are pretty much pocketable cameras, and this concept design tries to give the Nokia N90 a second chance, with a bit of a twist.

The Nokia N90 design is obviously outdated by today’s standards, so this revision borrows some inspiration from Nothing’s now iconic translucent glass design. The concept focuses on three main concepts: mechanical precision, the spirit of exploration, and minimalist language. The mechanical aspect can be clearly seen from the smartphone’s industrial appearance, revealing details of precision circuity and clear edges. At the same time, however, it still manages to embrace minimalism by keeping the details down to the essentials, eschewing the noisy details that pervaded Nokia’s design language.

The Nokia N90 x Nothing concept is clearly a design that encourages exploration and creativity with its core design gimmick, turning the upper half around for a more immersive photography experience. Not only does it try to convey the feeling of using a camcorder, it also makes some difficult angles more feasible because of the degree of freedom the mechanism offers.

On the technical side, the dreams of some of the best hardware features that the mobile industry has to offer, and not just with the camera that’s installed on the phone’s hinge rather than its back. The physical keypad, for example, is replaced by an E Ink display that combines customizability and power efficiency, while a touch-sensitive D-Pad above it offers more precise control. All these, however, make the Nokia N90 x Nothing even more of a pipe dream, but the design itself is something that could definitely spark interest, and hopefully sales, among today’s generation of design-conscious creators.

The post Flip phone concept aims to inspire creativity with Nokia, Nothing aesthetics first appeared on Yanko Design.