Nothing OS 5 hands-on: A nip, a tuck, and a nice glow-up

androidcentral.com Aug 26, 2026

Nothing OS 5 hands-on: A nip, a tuck, and a nice glow-up

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 26, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Nick, a veteran tech journalist with 15 years in IT, reviews smartphones and VR gear, drawing on nostalgic roots from DOS to NES. His long‑standing passion for folding phones and VR headsets informs in‑depth coverage of Android Central’s Meta Quest and smart glasses. He also shares photography insights, comparing camera performance across devices. Nick’s blend of historical perspective and technical expertise positions him as a trusted voice in mobile and immersive technology reviews.

💡 Why It Matters

· By bridging classic and cutting‑edge tech, Nick offers readers a unique lens that contextualizes new releases within a broader technological narrative.

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If you have a Pixel 11 Pro XL, you need to turn…

Nick, a veteran tech journalist with a background in DOS, NES, and 15 years in IT, has covered smartphones and VR since 2011. He transitioned from a Nokia enthusiast to an Android advocate, focusing on PWM sensitivity, display tech, and foldable phones. Nick also reports on VR hardware, from the original Oculus DK1 to Meta Quest, and writes a weekly column on smart glasses. His photography interests inform his camera reviews, offering readers visual comparisons.

💡 Nick’s long‑standing expertise bridges classic and cutting‑edge tech, providing readers with deep, historically grounded insights that few contemporary reviewers can match.

androidcentral.com · Aug 26

Last chance! Grab a free $100 gift card with your Google Pixel…

Google is offering a limited‑time promotion that provides a $100 Google Play gift card to customers who purchase the new Pixel 11 smartphone. The deal, announced through Android Central’s eCommerce editor Patrick, requires shoppers to claim the offer on the retailer’s website before the deadline, after which the free card will be unavailable. Eligible purchases must be made within the promotional window and the gift card will be delivered electronically to the buyer’s account. The promotion is positioned as a final push to boost Pixel 11 sales ahead of the holiday season, and it mirrors previous Google incentives that bundle digital credit with hardware. Consumers are urged to act quickly to secure the benefit before offer expires at end of coming September.

💡 The $100 credit lowers the effective price, making the Pixel 11 a more attractive alternative to competing flagship phones during a price‑sensitive buying period.

androidcentral.com · Aug 26

Lexar’s 2TB Silver Plus made me excited about MicroSD cards again

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, began his tech career by customizing Windows XP, later earning a computer science degree and reviewing PC hardware at VR‑Zone. In 2014 he transitioned to mobile technology, joining Android Central to cover Chinese phone brands, audio gear, networking, and storage. With over a decade of hands‑on experience, he has tested every major Android device, offering deep insights into Google’s ecosystem and the rise of Chinese manufacturers. Outside work, he enjoys sci‑fi novels and sports commentary.

💡 His comprehensive expertise bridges the gap between hardware innovation and consumer understanding, shaping informed opinions on emerging mobile trends.

androidcentral.com · Aug 26

Nothing OS 5.0 drops with Android 17 and on-device app building

Nothing announced Nothing OS 5.0, a major update built on Android 17, launching today in an Open Beta for the Phone (3). The release focuses on everyday usability, introducing a new transparent‑widget home screen, wallpaper‑tinted icons, and a fresh Geist typeface. Gallery sorting and filtering, two new lock‑screen clocks, and a Glyph Interface app with timers and habit‑tracking widgets are added. Essential AI tools are enhanced, and users can now build Essential Apps directly on the device. The stable version is slated for mid‑October.

💡 By enabling on‑device app creation, Nothing pushes the boundary of user‑generated software, potentially reshaping how consumers interact with their phones.

androidcentral.com · Aug 26

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold?

Harish Jonnalagadda serves as Android Central’s Senior Editor for the mobile category. He began his tech career modifying Windows XP and PC hardware, later earning a computer science degree. Jonnalagadda reviewed components at VR-Zone before transitioning to mobile journalism. A switch to the Nexus 4 prompted his move to Android coverage, leading to his 2014 hiring at Android Central. He now oversees reporting on Chinese phone brands, enthusiast audio, networking gear, and storage servers. With over a decade of experience, he has tested nearly every major global smartphone release. His expertise includes tracking the rise of Chinese manufacturers from their inception. Jonnalagadda leverages his engineering background to evaluate current devices and accessories. Outside of work, he enjoys reading sci-fi novels on an e-reader. He is also an Arsenal football fan, often expressing frustration when the team fails to secure titles. His extensive history provides unique insights into Google’s mobile platform and the broader Android ecosystem.

💡 Jonnalagadda’s specific focus on Chinese manufacturers offers readers critical context on global market shifts that Western-centric reviews often miss. His engineering background ensures technical evaluations are grounded in hardware realities rather than superficial impressions.

9to5google.com · Aug 26

This new Android & iPhone tracker hides in your bike or golf…

Pebblebee has released the LÔC8, a cylindrical tracker that fits inside bike handles, golf club shafts, and other shaft‑like objects. Designed for stealth, it features a clear plastic shell and a replaceable ER10250 battery that lasts up to three years. The device is activated by a double‑press on its top, then paired via Android Find Hub or Apple Find My. Pebblebee offers single and four‑pack options, targeting individual users and golf clubs, and plans future embedded designs for skis and other gear.

💡 By embedding a tracker inside gear, LÔC8 thwarts theft attempts that remove surface‑mounted tags, offering a discreet, long‑lasting solution for high‑value equipment.