Q3 2025 Community Board Observer digest

adbo · 2025-10-28T12:01:55+00:00

Last week, I attended my final Board meeting as your 2025 Community Board Observer! Check out my previous **[Q2 2025](https://nothing.community/d/38809)** digest if you missed it. Here’s everything I discussed with the board for Q3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi0R7rp90i0 We saw some really cool things from Nothing over the last 3 months. Firstly, the release of Nothing's latest generation of TWS, the [Ear (3)](https://nothing.tech/products/ear-3), with its new metallic design and talk button for next-level mic quality. We saw the release of [Nothing Playground](https://playground.nothing.tech), a platform for discovering and sharing community-created Glyph Toys, Camera Presets and EQ Profiles all in one place; as well as the first version of Essential Apps, where you can generate and share your own Nothing OS widgets with just a prompt. Essential Apps is currently in alpha and has a waitlist for access, which you can join at [playground.nothing.tech](https://playground.nothing.tech). The team is expanding, and they're actively working on preparing the platform for public release which is expected soon. We talked about the expansion of the [Community Review Program](https://nothing.community/en/d/39711), where regular members of the community can sign up to test and review Nothing & CMF products, without the need to be a top-tier content creator. As part of the program, I've tested both [CMF Watch 3 Pro](https://nothing.community/d/43183) and [CMF Headphone Pro](https://nothing.community/d/45132), which I've really enjoyed! You can [register your interest](https://nothing.community/en/d/39711) to join the program at any time. [upl-image-preview uuid=655f0a9e-c3bc-482d-a22e-2130552161b3 url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-28/1761646128-181849-image.png alt={TEXT?}] [upl-image-preview uuid=90fbab1f-39ae-4d31-aac5-1feb2c2a9b90 url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-28/1761646180-263001-image.png alt={TEXT?}] Nothing also announced a [successful Series C funding round](https://nothing.community/d/42158), becoming a unicorn company at a $1.3 billion USD valuation. Alongside this, Carl also wrote that they’re working on bringing the next community investment round to us - something I know a lot of you are interested in. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon. Lots of points since my last board meeting were addressed too, such as Phone (3) regional availability, Headphone (1) transparency issues, which were fixed with a firmware update and the introduction of a true dark mode, which is now available in Nothing OS. We did however discuss the delay in new product availability in India specifically, as lots of you have been asking when the CMF Headphone Pro and the CMF Watch 3 Pro will be coming. Nothing is working hard on bringing these devices to you as soon as possible and is looking to improve communications around variations in regional availability. Akis has also made a statement on Headphone Pro: [upl-image-preview uuid=ccaf44ed-5797-4e1f-90a9-26ac0430a2fc url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-27/1761597189-681218-image.png alt=banner] I also raised your comments around the [Nothing OS 4.0 Beta](https://nothing.community/d/43340). Firstly, the lack of a feedback loop and updates during the Closed Beta, and the fact the Open Beta left a lot to be desired in terms of upgrading from OS 3.5. An important point to note is that the first release of a new Beta OS won’t usually be the same as the final one - there should be multiple updates which evolve and mature over time. So while you may not see much of a difference in the first instance, you should see more features and changes as time goes on. Nothing is looking at how they can better set expectations for these Beta programs in future, and is learning from every beta program they hold, to improve future beta programs. [upl-image-preview uuid=2e652e2f-d854-495b-9a5d-645e425f62dc url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-28/1761646234-150334-image.png alt=banner] We talked about the Phone (3) pricing and the available discount and trade-in programs for Phone (1) and Phone (2) users, which went down really well in most countries, with the exception of India, where Phone (3) was discounted further on Flipkart after only a few months. I also mentioned the incorrect camera samples bundled with the Phone (3) retail demo app, which Nothing has already responded to. They’ve learnt a lot from the release of Phone (3) and will apply these learnings to future phone launches. And lastly, we saw the first release of [Lock Glimpse](https://nothing.community/d/45348) in Phone (3a) series OS 4.0 Open Beta this morning, so I relayed your initial reactions to this feature. This feature is still in its infancy within the beta OS, and more communications and clarifications will be coming soon. Since recording, Akis has [released a statement on Lock Glimpse](https://nothing.community/d/45348). So, that’s my term as your CBO over! I've still got a few things to wrap up, before handing over to the next CBO, so I'll still be collecting all of your feedback in the meantime. [upl-image-preview uuid=7f49fe3e-993d-40c1-bf18-8abe279298f9 url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-28/1761646338-49587-image.png alt={TEXT?}] [upl-image-preview uuid=69d53a1c-e7d1-4db9-8ee5-015e425458a2 url=https://cdn.nothing.community/2025-10-28/1761646476-588122-image.png alt={TEXT?}] Thanks once again to everyone that originally voted and put trust in me to be the voice of the community this year. It's been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I've met so many new people online and at events and meet-ups, and loved chatting with so many of you. Nothing has come such a long way in the last year, the community is ever growing, and it’s been such a privilege to be the Board Observer for 2025. Applications to become the next CBO will be opening soon, so keep an eye out for news. I’m hoping to see some familiar faces applying and representing the community next year! If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to ask below or shoot me a message. I’ll still be very active in the community as always, and a part of the mod team, so you'll see me around online and hopefully at some in-person events soon!

Rohit

adbo You’ve absolutely aced it as our CBO for 2025. This has been one of the busiest and most challenging years, and I can only imagine the level of responsibility on your shoulders representing our community. There’s no one better to handle a year like this. From one CBO to another, super proud and grateful for all your hard work and support.

Err_404NotFound

adbo Adam, thank you for you heard work and dedication to the Community! I was inclined to Nothing from the Samsung ecosystem as the community is respected and heard. Good luck with your new baby, and your contributions to this community have not only impacted me moving to this brand, but for many others in the world. 🙏 🤩 🥳

Samit_Sah

Stay bloatware free, Keep growing. 🚩

Ealesy101

Adam Bowman, our abdo. Thank you! ❤

You have been a wonderful CBO for this year, and I cannot believe your tenure has come to an end already, where has the time gone?!
Thank you for our chats over DM, I have enjoyed talking about theatrical lighting, amongst all of the discussions around this company.

The Community and the friends I have made along the way are the main reason I love this brand so much, the CBO plays such an important role in this enjoyment and I eagerly anticipate who shall succeed you.

On a personal note, I wish you and your wife the smoothest of pregnancies and all of the happiness when your bundle of joy arrives.

Nicouschulas

adbo However, I won’t be reapplying for personal reasons - my wife and I are expecting our first child early next year

Sad but understandable! Then good luck and have fun

peruna

Thank you adbo, it was amazing to see you representing us. Was a pleasure voting for you. Good update, as always 😉

josecordoba

Thank you for your work dude!

MarkG13

Thank you for all your hard work this year looking out for the things that matter to the ordinary Nothing users. I hope you have enjoyed your experience doing this as well?

adbo

Too many people to tag, but thank you all for your kind words! I very much appreciate it.

MarkG13 I did enjoy it, thanks! It’s a lot of responsibility and hard work, but super rewarding when you get it right. Presenting to a board was something I’d never done before, and I wasn’t super confident with. I’ve learnt lots along the way and have come out a better person at the end. Would highly recommend the role to anyone who loves Nothing’s community and wants to help make Nothing better for everyone

yukilab🇯🇵 Thank you for your support in understanding the Japanese community’s needs! I couldn’t have represented Japan without your help. I’ll definitely keep in touch 🙌

JochieSantiago

Jerin Jose that’s sad to hear… guess I’ll save some money, sell my NP3 and buy either an OPPO X9 or Xiaomi 15t 🤷

Jerin Jose

adbo Hi I have one more question to ask you. Will there be any iteration to beta like OBT 2 or we will directly land into stable?

yukilab🇯🇵

adbo

I’ve been watching your amazing work all along!

This past year has been truly wonderful for Nothing and for the community.

It’s all thanks to you!

You’ve done a fantastic job!

Let’s stay friends from now on too🥳

Adnan_28

adbo You really made sure that the community’s voice was heard, thank you updating us with utter transparency and elucidation🤍

flo_rahil

adbo Great final digest Adam. Thank you for representing the community in 2025, you have been a fantastic CBO and based on your interactions here, I can tell you are an even better person.

Wish you and your soon-to-be expanding family nothing but the absolute best.

Amol

adbo Congratulations on a great run as CBO and representing the community so well. Cheers and all the best for the good news early next year.

adbo

Amol Natalie ✨ thank you both!

Lukas_F Things are moving in the background! Keep an eye out for news in theNewsroom - I’m sure it’ll be an exciting one 😄

Natalie ✨

Thank you for everything Adam!

Lukas_F

Hi adbo, thank you for representing the community this year. Are there any news about Phone 3a Community Edition? Haven’t heard about it for a while. Thank you.

Womey

adbo big shoes to step into! Thank you for everything you have done for the community. You set the precedent over here and looking forward to still seeing you here mate. Thanks again 💜

adbo

Womey Shoot4Donuts ravindrayadav_FNtedamx3B Thank you all! ❤️

ArchismanSaha All of the information I currently have is in the original post 🙂 keep an eye onNewsroom and socials (@nothingindia) for more news

Shoot4Donuts

adbo you’ve been amazing and consistent. It’s been a pleasure seeing your updates and referring questions from the community to Nothing, and managing the Discord group. Hope to still see you around on Discord. Be well.

« Previous Page Next Page »