Smartphone maker Nothing is facing significant user backlash after confirming it will introduce pre-installed third-party applications and lock screen advertisements on its devices. The company, known for its minimalist approach, announced these changes for its upcoming Nothing OS 4.0 beta.
This new strategy includes a feature called “Lock Glimpse,” designed to display “curated content” on the lock screen. Users widely perceive this as sponsored advertisements.
Additionally, some of its more affordable smartphone models will come with third-party applications pre-installed.
Nothing, led by CEO Carl Pei, justified these additions by citing increasing material costs for its hardware. The firm stated it is exploring “sustainable revenue streams” to avoid passing higher manufacturing expenses directly to consumers.
The company clarified that these pre-installed applications are not random but rather popular apps users typically install from the start. Instagram was mentioned as an example.
Initial reactions to the announcement, particularly regarding the Lock Glimpse feature, have been overwhelmingly negative. Many users criticize the move as “bloatware.”
Lock Glimpse, part of the Nothing OS 4.0 beta for devices like the Nothing Phone (3a), is described as a personalization tool offering selected wallpapers, potentially accompanied by “timely updates and useful content.”
Nothing indicated that Lock Glimpse would be deactivated by default on the Phone (3a) and could be easily disabled by users. However, the company did not confirm if this default-off approach would continue beyond the beta phase of Nothing OS 4.0.
The firm also stated that any pre-installed third-party applications would be “minimal and essential” and readily removable by users.