I would like to step in and clarify a few things as my handle is being dragged through the mud somewhat.
I have no idea how these decisions are made internally as I simply enjoy posting here. I tested the NP3 pre-release because I tested the CMF1 quite a bit post-release and posted a lot of data to the community here. I also tested and continue to test the NP3 after its release, especially (a) the induction of thermal throttling (as this was a huge deal pre-release and it was finally installed in later updates of NOS 3.5 and now gone in NOS 4.0b, so yes the phone CANNOT complete a Wild Life Extreme Stress Test), (b) the camera with emphasis on clarity and Zoom pre-release.
The other testing regimes were by application and I applied, like anyone else, again, I have no idea how these were decided. I would say that I really test the hardware, such as the CMF3WP here: https://nothing.community/en/d/43127-cmf-watch-3-pro-a-device-i-want-to-recommend-but-cannot-at-least-not-yet as I’m looking for an inexpensive sport watch. At £79, the watch makes a lot of compromises and I have detailed them all (how/when/why GPS and HR is captured), I have found a workaround for their shortcomings and have found a third-party app that delivers what athletes in Europe and NA really want (Strava integration). However, I have also found that the onboard memory is extremely limited (to keep the price down) and that creates a ton of compromises. It’s all detailed in that thread. I would hardly say that I’m “glazing” in that review. I gave it a 4/10 in my first review.
I agree with a lot of your argumentation. We should be able to use shared “presets” on already taken photos/videos. This is obviously missing and the new Gallery seems a half measure.
I also agree that the community has gone downhill and has been through multiple rounds of constant complaints including:
- the camera set up in ugly
- 8sg4 is not flagship, 7i glass, USB 2.0 (pre-release spec-racing essentially)
- the INR price is too high
- we need more NOTHING developed apps
- NOS4 sucks as it is two clock faces only
Perhaps those are all true, but it does seem like a concerted effort. However, the Indian market is huge, with a strong command of English and this will dwarf the EU market and the non-existent NA market, so the forum leans very heavily that way.
I draw the line, and have since I started posting that NOS 2.6 and 3.0 were great on the CMF1, with people wanting to en-crap-ify NOS with bling from other brands that offers no functionality. I didn’t understand how good NOS was when I bought the CMF1 (two CMF1s in fact) as I bought it for the modularity (I bought some 3D printed back from members here). In the NP3/NOS 3.5 hardware/software combo, it reached peak performance of a stellar all-rounder phone. I get 10-11h SoT battery life, the cameras are solid-to-great and NOS is sublime due it’s greyscale minimalism. The GM is great to not get distracted (I am on screen usually approx 12+ hours per day with my employment!) and overall I find the NP3/NOS 3.5 package quote compelling at £799, or under £300 if you sold your old NP1/2 second-hand and got the £300 discount. The ES key is fun and experimental and it will be interesting to see which direction NOS heads with it. The playground is an exceptional idea from my perspective.
If defending NOS from additional junk being added, e.g. transparency, material 3 expressive, long/tall clocks, fake dynamic Islands, etc…, makes me a “glazer” then so be it. All of those people desiring those things can head to any other brand, but I feel that NOS should stay minimal and not collect useless options from other brands, as NOTHING/cmf will always lose that battle to giant manufacturers and will lose what NOTHING TECHNOLOGY LIMITED special.
