Nothing, fresh off the launch of its Nothing OS 4.0, has unveiled a first look at Essential Apps, a feature it claims will redefine how users interact with their smartphones.
The company says Essential Apps will deliver hyper-personalized experiences, allowing users to create mini-apps and widgets directly from prompts. These generated tools can then live on the device, offering tailored functions that respond to daily needs. Users will also be able to share their creations with others through Playground, a new community platform.
Among the early examples are an app that recommends outfits based on what’s already in your wardrobe, a mood tracker that syncs with playlists, and a tool for managing receipts and expenses. Nothing believes these small, user-generated utilities will form the building blocks of a more adaptable operating system.
At this stage, Essential Apps remain in alpha testing, and early access will be limited to users who join a waitlist. Hardware limitations also apply: the upcoming Nothing Phone (3) will support up to six Essential App widgets, while older Nothing and CMF devices will be restricted to two.