Tag Archives: nothing

Camera (1) Imagines a Tactile Digicam for a Screen-Tired Generation

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Most photos now live inside phones, buried between notifications and apps. A new generation has started picking up old digital cameras to make shooting feel more intentional again, separate from scrolling and messaging. Many of those cameras still carry clunky menus and dated interfaces. Camera (1) is a concept design that asks what a modern compact could feel like if it were designed around touch and light instead of software layers.

Camera (1) is a compact, metal-bodied device with softly rounded corners, sized to slip into a pocket but solid enough to fill the hand. All the main controls live on one edge, so your thumb and index finger can reach the shutter, a circular mode dial with a tiny glyph display, and a simple D-pad without shifting your grip or poking at a touchscreen. The concept is inspired by the now familiar transparent, hardware-forward design language of Nothing.

Designer: Rishikesh Puthukudy

Taking the camera to a dinner or a show means twisting the lens ring to frame, feeling the click of the shutter under your finger, and glancing at the little icon on the dial to know whether you are in stills or video. The camera encourages you to look at the scene more than at the screen, letting the physical controls carry most of the interaction so the rear display stays out of the way.

The dot-matrix glyph on the dial shows simple icons for modes, while a curved light strip around the lens can pulse for a self-timer, confirm focus, or signal that video is rolling. Instead of deep menu trees, you get a handful of physical states you can feel and see at a glance, which makes the device feel more like an instrument than a gadget you have to decipher before you can take a picture.

The engraved lens ring, marked with focal length and aperture, invites you to twist rather than pinch. Zooming or adjusting focus becomes a small, satisfying motion instead of a jittery rocker or on-screen gesture. That tiny bit of resistance under your fingers reinforces the idea that changing perspective is a choice, not something you do absentmindedly while flipping through feeds.

The bead-blasted metal shell, the layered front panel with circuit-like relief, and the small red accents and screws give the camera a technical, almost transparent character without actually exposing its internals. It feels like a piece of hardware that is honest about how it works but still restrained enough to live on a café table or hang from a wrist strap without looking like it is trying too hard.

Camera (1) is not trying to beat the phone at convenience. It is offering a different relationship with photography, one where you press real buttons, read simple glyphs, and let light and tactility tell you what the camera is doing. In a world where every screen wants something from you, a compact that just wants you to notice what is in front of it feels like a refreshing thought experiment.

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This CMF Phone Mini Concept Is The Compact Android Fans Have Been Begging For

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The market for compact smartphones didn’t disappear because people stopped wanting them; manufacturers simply decided the economics didn’t justify the engineering. The iPhone 13 mini was the last great holdout, and its discontinuation left a void that has been filled with nothing but silence. That makes this CMF Phone Mini concept, posted by designer Preet Ajmeri on the Nothing Community forum, feel less like a flight of fancy and more like a genuine market opportunity. It suggests a smarter middle path for small phones, one built around accessibility and modularity rather than specs-sheet maximalism. This isn’t just another shrunken flagship render; it’s a thoughtful take on what a small phone in 2025 ought to be.

What makes Ajmeri’s concept work is its complete lack of flagship pretension. The design has a satisfying, tool-like quality, with an aesthetic that leans closer to a Braun appliance than a miniaturized glass sandwich. The two-tone back panels, secured by exposed screws, are a direct nod to the modularity of the CMF Phone 1 and 2 Pro. That little circular element in the lower corner is a brilliant touch, practically begging for a lanyard or a clever magnetic accessory. The camera housing is integrated into a stepped corner plate, making it feel like a distinct, functional component rather than a generic camera island. It’s an honest object, designed to be held and used without demanding reverence.

Designer: Preet Ajmeri

The colorways Ajmeri mocked up are subtle, and a deviation from the flagship phones’ vibrant color schemes. The sage green has a distinct, almost military-grade feel, while the slate blue is more of a classic tech color. But that brown and cream version is the real standout; it feels like something Braun would have designed in 1975, a perfect piece of retro-futurism. The hard split between the two tones gives it a clear visual hierarchy, and the presumed matte texture looks like it would feel fantastic in the hand. That aside, the modularity is still retained, with the screw-in design, and the knob on the bottom for fixing accessories.

This thing would live or die in the sub-$300 space, and that’s exactly where it belongs. You wouldn’t expect a top-tier Snapdragon processor here; a power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7000-series chip would be more than enough to drive a 5.4-inch OLED display without destroying the battery. And battery life would be the biggest engineering challenge, as it always is with small devices. But the appeal isn’t raw performance. The appeal is ergonomics, a one-handed user experience, and a design that has more personality than anything five times its price. CMF has already proven it can deliver a thoughtful software experience on a budget, and that’s all a device like this would need.

So, will Nothing ever actually build it? Almost certainly not, and that’s the real shame. The big players are too risk-averse to cater to a niche they’ve already declared dead. But this concept proves the desire for a well-designed, affordable, and genuinely compact phone is very much alive. It’s a perfect fit for a brand like CMF, which has built its identity on challenging the assumption that budget-friendly has to mean boring. The first company to take a chance on a design with this much character and common sense won’t just sell a phone; they’ll create a cult classic.

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This teal Nothing Phone 3a Community Edition looks like a Game Boy for grown‑ups

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Nothing just pulled the curtain back on the Phone 3a Community Edition, a limited 1,000-unit drop built around a vibrant teal design inspired by late-90s gaming hardware. This special release is the result of a nine-month collaboration between Nothing’s internal teams and four winners from its community design project. The phone itself is a visual statement, swapping the brand’s typical monochrome palette for a look that feels more playful and expressive. It’s a collector’s piece for those who appreciate when a company lets its community take the wheel, resulting in a product that feels both nostalgic and distinctly modern.

Underneath the colorful new shell, the device carries internals identical to the standard Phone 3a. It is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and features a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 2,160Hz PWM dimming for smooth visuals. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide. A 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired charging handles power. The single 12GB/256GB configuration is priced at £379, matching the top-tier regular model and reinforcing that this is a design-focused release, not a spec upgrade.

Designer: Emre Kayganacl

The aesthetic is where the Community Edition truly sets itself apart. The translucent teal back, designed by winner Emre Kayganacl, reveals internal components arranged as clean geometric layers. This gives the rear a deliberate, compositional quality rather than a raw, tech-exposed look. The horizontal camera module sits perfectly centered, with Nothing’s signature glyph light arcs wrapping around it to signal notifications. Small, scattered circles of yellow and magenta add playful contrast, giving the phone a character reminiscent of a limited-edition handheld console without feeling like a simple throwback.

This cohesive design language extends to the front of the phone. The software experience includes an exclusive teal-gradient wallpaper and a custom lock-screen clock designed by community winner Jad Zock. The rounded, monochrome icons of Nothing OS float above the colorful background, tying the user interface directly to the physical hardware. This thoughtful integration ensures the device feels like a single, unified object. It’s a complete visual package that considers how the phone looks both when the screen is on and off, creating a more holistic product experience.

 

The project began with over 700 submissions from Nothing’s community, with winners selected for hardware design, accessories, software visuals, and marketing. This co-creation process is central to the phone’s story, representing a deeper collaboration than the company’s first community project. For those hoping to get one, registration is open until December 11, with a limited sales window opening on December 12 through Nothing’s website. It’s a rare opportunity to own a device that is as much a design experiment as it is a daily driver.

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Nothing Phone 3a Lite or CMF Phone 2 Pro? The Choice Is Just Glyph vs. Zoom

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Glyph Light, more like Glyph Gaslight… Nothing just dropped its fifth phone this year, the 3a Lite, and the instant I looked at it, I was first shocked… then confused. Shocked because the phone looks exactly like Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro. No seriously, the camera placement is EXACTLY the same, the chipset is the same, the battery, screen, most of its internals are the same. It took me a full minute for my shock to subside before it was replaced by confusion. Why? Why would Nothing introduce a ‘new’ phone into its lineup when it’s selling the exact same phone (for the exact same price) under its sub-brand?

I have no definite answers (we’re waiting for Carl Pei to reveal his underlying strategy), which is why it honestly feels so confusing. Two phones, practically twins (with probably just 2 small differences), and arguably running the same software on the same hardware for the same price. It goes against Nothing’s entire vision of disrupting the tech space by producing game-changing tech that injects fun into itself. Tech that builds a design-centric audience. Tech that prides itself on transparency. The fact that the Nothing Phone 3a Lite is just a ‘rebadged’ (and I use that term in the most calculated capacity) version of the CMF Phone 2 Pro feels like the opposite of transparent.

Designer: Nothing

Nothing Phone 3a Lite (Left) vs CMF Phone 2 Pro (Right)

Here’s where the phones are identical. They both have the same screen – a FHD+ 6.77″ AMOLED running 120Hz at 300 nits max brightness. They both have the same chip too, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro with 8 cores. Both phones run 8GB of RAM and max out at 256GB of storage. The OS is the same too, Nothing OS 3.5 (with a 6-year software update promise)… and even the battery is exactly the same, a 5,000mAh cell with 33W fast charging and 5W reverse wired charging. No wireless charging on either of the models. As far as the cameras go, the placement (if you look below) is the same too. Two of the three lenses in the camera array are the same, a 50MP main and 8MP ultrawide. The front has a 16MP shooter on both. And both phones pack that Essential button on the side that Nothing began rolling out this year. On paper, it’s as if you were looking at a Xiaomi vs Redmi phone, or a Huawei vs Honor phone. The same build, barring a few minor cosmetic changes.

Nothing Phone 3a Lite (Left) vs CMF Phone 2 Pro (Right)

The changes aren’t drastic, but they’re worth noting. For starters, the third camera on both the CMF Phone 2 Pro and the Nothing Phone 3a Lite are different. While the CMF gizmo packs a nifty 50MP telephoto lens, the 3a Lite swaps that out for a 2MP macro lens. That’s while keeping the price exactly the same, so make of that what you will. Meanwhile, look above and you’ll notice that the flashlight gets moved just a couple of notches downwards on the 3a Lite, so I’d assume most cases for the Phone 2 Pro will work seamlessly on the 3a Lite if they have a running cutout for the camera and the flashlight. Barring these two features, the design (obviously) is the most noticeable difference. The CMF phone sports a plastic back, with the customizable modular design, while the Nothing phone resorts to its thematic transparent rear, with a glass back. The 3a Lite also has the Glyph, although instead of an interface it’s just a tiny little dot on the bottom right corner. The final difference lies in the offerings – the CMF Phone 2 Pro comes in 4 colors and one single spec variant – a 256GB model. The Nothing 3a Lite comes in just Black or White options, although you can choose between a 256GB model, or a lower 128GB model that’s just €30 cheaper.

So why exactly did Nothing go down this road? All I can do is speculate, but the more I do, the more I’m inclined to believe that this is a diversity play rather than an innovation play. The company wants to corner the market with as many phones across a price range. Currently, the 3a and 3a Pro represent a budget range, but not the sub $300 category. People who are fans of the transparent phone design wouldn’t want to splurge on a CMF phone, even though it’s objectively better out of the two we’re comparing here today. If you told me I had to choose between a glass back and a small blinking LED, versus a plastic-back phone that packs a 50MP telephoto camera, the choice wouldn’t be a tough one at all.

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Move over Dyson Supersonic, a transparent Nothing hair dryer is here to steal the closet space

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Carl Pei is making strong inroads into the consumer electronics and gadgets space with the smartphone and earbuds that have improved a lot from the inaugural versions when the company was launched. The Nothing Ear (a) has been topping the charts of budget earbuds that punch way above their weight, competing with the more premium options.

While the brand is keeping its portfolio strongly knitted in the gadget ecosystem (and I presume it’ll stay that way for a long time) a designer has envisioned a Nothing hair dryer that’ll have you looking your best with that luscious mane. Since this is one personal care accessory that you keep always handy, it better be stylish. So, what better than the Nothing’s see-through persona?

Designer: Will Parsons

Nothing is all about monochrome colors in a transparent aesthetic with a dash of signature red. Will has emulated those elements with perfection in this concept design that might not be an official product in the brand’s line-up, still, it could inspire a knock-off version in the big marketplace. The tasteful housing showing off the internal components is complemented by the glyph interface around the power and speed buttons. This glyph interface also indicates the charge levels of the hairdryer. The curvaceous design of the motor housing with the stainless steel inlets adds an industrial design element to the mix.

As per Will the Nothing hair dryer is fully ambidextrous and makes use of a centrifugal fan setup to suck air through the rear intake. This cools down the battery before flowing through the front heating element. The placement of the fan allows for a more slimmer look that other dryers which is a huge advantage.

While Dyson currently owns the closet space with options like Supersonic, this hair dryer is nothing less than impressive. It gives off the vibe of a classic muscle car modded to add more firepower under the hood and visual beef with the curves at the right places.

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Nothing Ear (open) earbuds review: Embrace Sound and Surroundings

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PROS:


  • Very comfortable to wear

  • Impressive battery life

  • Stylish design

  • Good sound quality for open-ear design

CONS:


  • No wireless charging

  • Struggle with volume in very noisy environments

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nothing Ear (open) headphones are a worthwhile investment that complements a modern, mindful lifestyle.

Staying connected while being aware of our surroundings is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced world. Initially, I was skeptical about the need for open-ear headphones, assuming they were primarily designed for runners or cyclists. As someone who doesn’t fall into either category, I never considered them a necessity. My go-to audio devices have been in-ear earbuds equipped with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) features for years. While ANC is fantastic for creating a peaceful personal space, I noticed it led to an unintended consequence: a sense of isolation from the world around me. The ability to block out external noise made me unconsciously perceive the outside world as a distraction, even an irritation.

Open-ear headphones, however, offer a different experience. They allow you to enjoy audio content while maintaining awareness of your surroundings, keeping you grounded and connected to the world. The Ear (open), a new audio device from Nothing, promises to deliver this balance. I tested them for about 3 weeks and took these headphones on recent trips and day hikes, testing them in various settings including buses, trains, and planes, even on an overnight flight. Here’s my comprehensive review of the Nothing Ear (open).

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

Nothing is renowned for its unique design philosophy, and the Ear (open) earbuds are no exception. They embody the brand’s iconic transparent and sleek aesthetic while featuring rounded shapes that add a touch of softness, perfectly aligning with the device’s philosophy of openness and awareness.

The Ear (open) includes familiar elements, such as a case with a transparent top and a white bottom for a striking contrast, a secure magnetic clasp, a central nub on the case top, and a color-coded system. The left earbud has a red dot, while the right earbud has a white dot, both mirrored on the case for easy storage.

The signature aesthetics extend to the earbuds themselves. They feature an iconic transparent outer casing that reveals the internal components, while silver tips encase the battery and serve as counterweights for enhanced stability. Connecting these components is a flexible arm that contours to the ear for a snug fit.

Ergonomics

For those with smaller ears, finding comfortable earbuds can be a challenge. In-ear earbuds often cause discomfort after prolonged use, and I frequently find myself readjusting them, especially my left earbud, which tends to fall out even when I’m not moving much. The Nothing Ear (open), however, offers a solution to these issues with its thoughtful ergonomic design.

The earbuds sit comfortably on the outer part of the ear, with a soft, silicon-like arm that surrounds the ear, providing stability without the intrusive feeling of in-ear designs. I found them comfortable enough to wear for extended periods, sometimes even forgetting I had them on.

They sit securely in my ears, even when I jog or shake my head, ensuring they won’t slip out during physical activity. Wearing glasses or lying down presents no comfort issues, allowing for freedom of movement. This secure fit and versatility make them ideal for everyday use, whether exercising, working, or simply relaxing.

A notable aspect of the design is the lightweight nature of the earbuds, each weighing only 8.1 grams. This lightness contributes significantly to comfort, ensuring that the earbuds do not exert unnecessary pressure on the ears, even during long listening sessions. One thing to note, though, is that the metal-looking tip can get a bit cold if the Ear (open) is stored in a cool place, which might be uncomfortable in colder climates.

The case itself is also designed with portability in mind, being only 19mm thick. This slim profile makes it easy to slip into pockets or bags without adding bulk, making it an ideal companion for those on the go.

Performance

The performance of the Nothing Ear (open) is generally impressive, particularly in quieter environments. The open-ear design excels at maintaining awareness but doesn’t seal the ear canal, lacking ANC capabilities. This can be a drawback in noisy settings, such as planes or subways, where audio can be difficult to hear.

In such noisy environments, even cranking up the volume might not suffice, leading me to prefer ANC-equipped earbuds for full audio immersion. Despite this limitation, the sound quality of the Ear (open) is commendable. Boasting a 14.2mm dynamic driver, earbuds deliver full sound with good bass, especially for an open-ear form factor.

The microphone on the Nothing Ear (open) is another strong point, delivering clear voice quality during calls. This ensures that conversations are crisp and intelligible, even in moderately noisy environments, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Sound leakage is minimized by the thoughtful design of the Nothing Ear (open). This feature helps keep your audio private, ensuring it doesn’t disturb those around you—unless you’re listening at high volume in a quiet place.

The Ear (open) is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, allowing you to connect to two devices and seamlessly switch between them. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently use multiple devices. Additionally, with an IP54 rating, the Ear (open) is resistant to dust and splashes, making it suitable for a variety of environments.

One of the standout features of the Ear (open) is its battery life. Nothing claims up to 30 hours of playback, which is supported by 8 hours of use from the earbuds themselves and an additional 22 hours provided by the charging case. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music or podcasts throughout the day without frequent recharging.

The Ear (open) also offers various pinch controls, including single pinch, double pinch, triple pinch, and pinch and hold. These controls are highly responsive and can be customized through the Nothing app, allowing users to tailor the functionality to their specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, the Nothing app offers one of the most advanced equalizer (EQ) features available, with an 8-band EQ that provides unparalleled customization options. This sophisticated EQ allows users to fine-tune their audio experience to match their personal preferences precisely.

Another useful feature for users of Nothing phones is the ability to access ChatGPT directly via the earbuds. This integration allows for seamless interaction and enhances the functionality of the earbuds, making them not just a tool for listening but also for communication and information retrieval.

Overall, while it certainly does not replace ANC earbuds in very noisy settings, the Nothing Ear (open) offers a unique blend of features and performance that cater to a diverse range of listening preferences, enhanced by its advanced EQ capabilities, long battery life, and customizable pinch controls.

Sustainability

Nothing has taken significant steps to ensure the sustainability of the Ear (open) headphones, and their transparency in sharing this information on their product page is truly admirable. This openness not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also shows that the brand values informed consumer choices.

The carbon footprint of the device is relatively low, with emissions of just 3.0 kg CO₂e. This is an important consideration for environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their impact on the planet. Additionally, the headphones are manufactured using 100% recycled tin solder paste, which reduces the demand for virgin materials and supports recycling efforts.

Furthermore, Nothing is committed to using 100% renewable energy for the final assembly of the Ear (open). This commitment not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with production but also sets a positive example for the electronics industry, highlighting the feasibility and importance of sustainable manufacturing practices.

The brand’s dedication to sustainability is truly commendable, as it not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the values of consumers who prioritize eco-friendly practices. By making this information readily available, Nothing reinforces its commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering high-quality audio products, setting a standard for transparency and responsibility in the industry.

Value

The Nothing Ear (open) headphones offer a compelling value proposition for those seeking a balance between audio quality, comfort, and sustainability. Priced at $149, they provide an accessible entry point into the world of open-ear audio technology without compromising on design or functionality.

Considering the thoughtful ergonomic design, robust audio performance, and impressive battery life, the Ear (open) headphones deliver excellent value for the price. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to sustainability—evident in their use of recycled materials and renewable energy for assembly—adds to the overall appeal for environmentally conscious consumers. For users who prioritize both quality and eco-friendliness, the Nothing Ear (open) headphones represent a worthwhile investment that aligns with modern values and expectations.

Verdict

The Nothing Ear (open) headphones present a unique offering in the audio market, blending style, performance, and sustainability. With their open-ear design, they cater to users who value staying connected to their surroundings while enjoying audio content. This makes them ideal for everyday use, especially in quieter settings.

While they may not replace ANC-equipped earbuds in noisy environments, the Ear (open) excels in delivering quality sound and comfort. Their ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended wear, and the impressive battery life supports long listening sessions without frequent recharging.

The integration of advanced features, like customizable pinch controls and seamless interaction with Nothing phones, enhances the user experience. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, aligning with the values of eco-conscious consumers and setting a positive example in the industry.

With its relatively affordable price tag, the Nothing Ear (open) offers great value for those seeking a balance of audio quality, comfort, and environmental responsibility. For users who prioritize these aspects, the Ear (open) headphones are a worthwhile investment that complements a modern, mindful lifestyle.

The post Nothing Ear (open) earbuds review: Embrace Sound and Surroundings first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nothing’s Glow-in-the-Dark Phone (2a) Plus Sparks a New Design Trend: We Need Glowing Phone Cases!

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If you loved the Nothing Phone’s glyph interface, their Community Edition phone may just absolutely capture your heart. Announced today following a lengthy community-driven design competition, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition made its global reveal, with a unique twist on the original phone’s design. Sure, you’ve got the Glyph Interface with LEDs that glow to make the phone’s rear panel turn into a dynamic display for notifications and alerts, but the new Community-made version of the phone comes with literal glow-in-the-dark ribbon cables that are ‘nothing’ like anything we’ve seen on any phone in the past decade!

Thanks to input from community members Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, this phone stands out in a crowd—but not with power-hungry LEDs. Instead, it uses a green phosphorescent material that charges up with ambient light, glowing gently in dim settings and giving the 2(a) a dose of unique, eco-friendly style.

Designers: Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki for Nothing

The design shift here is significant, especially if you remember the original Phone (2) and the less glowy Phone (2a). While the Phone (2) featured bright LED glyphs, the 2(a) kept things quieter, dialing back on the glow to maintain a sleeker look. This Community Edition, though, reintroduces some of that distinctive Nothing flair, swapping LEDs for a phosphorescent effect along the phone’s ribbon cables and components. It’s a subtler, softer glow that gives the phone character without the need for extra power or flashing lights. Imagine your phone lighting up on the nightstand—not enough to keep you awake, just enough to catch your eye.

The phosphorescent material works just like those glow-in-the-dark stars you might have seen as a kid. It absorbs natural or artificial light and emits a soft glow when the lights go down. Unlike typical LEDs, it doesn’t drain the battery, giving this 2(a) a style boost without impacting battery life or performance. It’s the kind of understated cool that’s right in line with Nothing’s design philosophy: thoughtful, sustainable, and practical. Plus, it makes it easier to find in a dark room, giving the design a practical edge as well as aesthetic appeal.

The collaborative effort on this phone really says a lot about Nothing’s approach to designing for their community. The company didn’t just create the effect on its own; they opened it up to the public and sorted through more than 900 design submissions from fans across 47 countries. Out of these, Vanhuyse and Akasaki’s concept shone the brightest, resulting in a design that feels distinctively Nothing while showcasing a global community’s creativity. It’s part of Nothing’s shift toward community-centric product innovation, giving fans a real voice in shaping what they carry.

Nothing also went to great lengths to ensure this glow effect wasn’t just a gimmick but a part of the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition’s build. The phosphorescent material is durable and seamlessly integrated, meaning it won’t interfere with the phone’s performance or longevity. You get a sturdy device with an artistic edge, a blend of tech and simplicity that fits seamlessly into daily life.

The Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is priced at $518 USD (£399 / €449 / ₹29,999), with sales beginning on November 12. If you’re located in London, you might also grab one in person at the Nothing Soho store on November 16. There are just 1,000 units available up for grabs… so if you enjoy the idea of having a phone so dazzling that you’ll never want to put a case on it, grab one while you still can. And for anybody at dbrand or Spigen, you best believe people will want glowing cases for their iPhones and flagship Androids too!

The post Nothing’s Glow-in-the-Dark Phone (2a) Plus Sparks a New Design Trend: We Need Glowing Phone Cases! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smart ceiling fan concept takes its design cues from a customizable smartphone

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Home electronics aren’t just getting smarter, their designs are also getting more sophisticated. It’s not just the usual culprits such as lamps and TVs either, as appliances with less presence like air purifiers and speakers become more conspicuous in the space they occupy. Designs vary widely from minimalist to elaborate, though most seem to use nature as a source of inspiration. In contrast, this design concept for a ceiling fan takes a page from a distance cousin in the consumer electronics market, mixing interactive functionality with minimalist aesthetics to provide a user experience that can be personalized to one’s preferences.

Designer: Eshant Kumbhakarn

Nothing’s new sub-brand appropriated the popular “CMF” acronym to indicate its heavy leaning towards a design-centric approach. By putting an emphasis not just on looks but on the color, material, and finish of the design, CMF by Nothing aims to elevate the prestige of products often simply seen as technological tools. So far, the brand’s designs have revolved around making exceptional design more accessible, which is what this ceiling fan concept tries to achieve as well.

FanPro brings that attention to detail to a smart home appliance, one that seems to be the least likely recipient of such a treatment: a ceiling fan. At the same time, however, it also offers the perfect opportunity to put into practice the design theories put forward by CMF. This design, for example, pays close attention to the engineering involved in the design process, making sure that the four blades are precisely angled at 15 degrees for optimal airflow and minimal noise.

A particularly interesting twist to this design is the full screen display on the base that can show not only information like operational modes or the time, it can even show emotions through simplified faces to give the appliance a more personal touch. All these can be controlled through a remote designed with intuitive use in mind. An easily accessed dial, for example, lets you instantly change the fan speed, while navigating menus is done through directional buttons.

The first CMF Phone garnered fame for its modular and customizable design, something that FanPro also adopts both for the fan itself as well as the remote control shell. Although it’s probably not as easy or probably safe to change the fan’s parts, it does leave the door open for more personalized experiences, even if it means just changing colors.

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The Nothing Watch (Ultra) may not have a Glyph Interface, but it makes up with a minimal Glyph OS

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While Nothing doesn’t have a smartwatch in its portfolio, it certainly could add one – considering CMF’s Watch Pro already set the perfect foundation. Meet the Nothing Watch (Ultra) concept – a watch that brings the company’s minimalism-meets-fun approach to the world of smartwatches.

Designed by Abdelrahman Shaapan, the Watch (Ultra) takes the smartwatch to its logical next level, with a design that bridges digital experiences with a fairly analog-inspired design. The watch face is a mirror of the phone’s analog Glyph Interface, while the watch itself comes not with one button but three (including the crown of course).

Designer: Abdelrahman Shaapan

The Nothing Watch (Ultra) blurs the lines between Nothing and CMF, with a design that combines black and orange. Sure, with a watch this minimal, you really can’t do much with transparency, which is why the Watch (Ultra) ditches transparency entirely. It comes with a solid metal frame, supported by an Alpine Loop-inspired band that secures the watch around your wrist.

The Glyph goes missing too, but it manifests itself in the form of a Glyph OS – using white bars an strips to turn timekeeping into a Nothing-powered meaningful experience. The digital display has a minimal clock face, and a Glyph ring around the center that tells you both your battery level as well as the kilocalories burnt during the day. Sort of like activity rings on the Apple Watch, but interpreted differently.

The Watch (Ultra) concept leaves a lot to be desired – especially in the form of context and detail. The designer added a fair bit of detail in the form of a watch body with pushers and a crown on one side, and side-firing speakers on the other – but the OS still only shows just one screen. Maybe a little more detail in terms of a more comprehensive Glyph OS experience could really seal the deal – and although it might be too much to ask, I could DEFINITELY use one transparent variant!

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The Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) brings transparent tech to Smart Homes, along with a Glyph Interface

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If you think just about the Nothing.tech company ethos of bringing fun back to tech while still being design-driven and meaningful, that ethos can apply to pretty much any category of product. Sure, Nothing’s best known for their earbuds, phones, and even other accessories like the CMF Watch Pro… so here’s a proposition – what if we took Nothing’s ethos and brought it to other products that are a bit of a visual afterthought? The robot vacuum, for instance, is a fairly ‘boring’ looking product. Its job is literally to scuttle around the house cleaning up after your mess, so for the most part, its design is driven by function rather than expression. However, by bringing the robot vacuum under the Nothing design umbrella, Soo Hyun Lim and PDF HAUS have uplifted an otherwise dull-looking appliance into something that inherently feels more modern – because it borrows its design cues directly from Nothing’s modern-looking smartphones.

Designers: Soo Hyun Lim & PDF HAUS

Meet the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1), a tongue-in-cheek fan-made concept that ports Nothing’s DNA onto a familiar product template. Most robot vacuums are the same shape and size, so how could you possibly make things interesting? Well, LEDs and transparent covers, of course! The Robot Vacuum (1) has a circular profile that’s then outfitted with a transparent D-shaped outer shell, giving it an almost ‘preserved in glass’ kind of look. Sensors are where they belong (on the front as well as on the top), and although you can’t entirely make a robot vacuum transparent, what with all the dust and dirt, Hyun Lim does something clever by bringing the Glyph Interface to the product. What does the interface do? Well, it acts as a progress bar that lets you know how much cleaning’s left. Similarly, Glyph lights on the vacuum’s docking station light up to indicate charging process as well as letting you know the fill-status on the station’s dustbin, so you know when to throw the trash out every week or so.

With the aesthetic appeal of a fancy turntable, the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) highlights a kind of Bauhaus-meets-Scandinavian minimalism that companies like Bang&Olufsen have come to showcase so well with their products. The vacuum looks classy, not appliance-y, which is quite a win because of how menial its task actually is. I mean, sure some appliances have boring jobs, like thermostats and dehumidifiers, but that’s no reason they should look ‘boring’, right? Well, the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) rejects that stereotype.

As far as the design goes, the vacuum comes in 3 colors – black, white, and grey. Just from a top view, you instantly recognize the Nothing design template. The Glyph Interface at the 7 o’clock position, the transparent elements along the body, and a radial pattern on the upper half of the circular top that sort of resembles the coils in the wireless charging zone on the smartphones. It’s simple, yet cleverly executed.

Just like with the phones, you’ve got microtextures galore, along with text screen-printed onto the transparent elements like the upper guard (that prevents the sensors on top from being damaged), and the front transparent bumper that helps the robot vacuum easily maneuver into corners. Moreover, Hyun Lim mentions that the vacuum is constructed from recycled plastic and aluminum, which seems like a nice sustainability touch that goes well with the ‘clean’ image of the vacuum cleaner.

Although conceptual, Hyun Lim does give the robot vacuum a fair bit of detail. You’ve got a rotary broom on the front, along with a vibrating wet mop that helps get grease, grime, and other stains off your floor. The simple design is complemented by a simple UX – you can lift the lid to access the robot’s power button or open its water reservoir to replenish it between cleaning sessions. The sensors on the front and top help the vacuum navigate through the house, while an app on the phone gives you all the controls you need to set schedules, paths, no-go zones, and charging times. Plus, when the robot vacuum runs low on juice, it automatically goes and docks in its station, where the battery gets charged and the dust-tank gets cleaned.

The docking station is just as minimal as the vacuum itself, and serves as a place where your appliance goes to take a pit-stop. Once docked, the Robot Vacuum (1) charges its batteries, while performing a self-clean operation so it’s good to go for round 2. This means the mop head gets cleaned with water, and the dust/dirt tank gets disposed into the docking station’s larger ‘dustbin’. When the dustbin gets filled (after a couple of days of cleaning), all you need to do is empty the trash bag inside and replace it with a new one. That’s where the docking station’s Glyph lights come handy, letting you know your vacuum’s charging rate, along with the dustbin’s current capacity.

Although the Robot Vacuum (1) is purely conceptual at this point, it does prove that Nothing’s approach to redefining technology as ‘accessible fun’ is quite a winning and versatile one. The Robot Vacuum (1) doesn’t exist but there’s no reason it shouldn’t. Carl, you listening?

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