Nothing OS 5.0 beta arrives with Android 17, but demand causes errors: CMF Buds Neo launch for $25

Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is live, but demand is causing errors

Nothing fans have two big things to talk about this week. The company started rolling out the open beta for Nothing OS 5.0, which is based on Android 17. At the same time, it quietly launched a new pair of budget earbuds called the CMF Buds Neo for just $25. Both announcements show that Nothing is trying to keep its software fresh while also offering hardware at a price that almost anyone can afford.

Let us start with the software update, because that is where the most immediate excitement — and a few headaches — are happening.

What is new in Nothing OS 5.0

What this means for Nothing OS 5 0 beta arrives

Nothing OS 5.0, which is built on Android 17, entered its open beta phase on August 26, 2026. The first phone to get access is the Nothing Phone (3). According to Nothing, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro will get the beta in early September, and other devices will follow through December.

The open beta is exactly what it sounds like: a version of the software that is still being tested. Users can download it and try out new features before the final public release. Bugs are normal in beta software, but this time there is an extra problem. Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis posted on Twitter/X that the company is seeing an "overwhelming response" to the beta. More people are trying to download it than Nothing expected. That surge is causing some users to see error messages when they try to get the update.

Evangelidis said the team is working to stabilize things and asked users to try again shortly. The error seems to be a bandwidth issue on Nothing's side, not a problem with the Phone (3) itself. If you are trying to install the beta and getting an error, it is probably because the servers are overloaded, not because your phone has a problem.

Nothing also launched the CMF Buds Neo for $25

Nothing OS 5.0 brings several changes to the user interface. The homescreen gets transparency updates, which means you will see more of your wallpaper through app icons and folders. There are also new lockscreen clock faces to choose from. The update includes support for Google's new 3D emoji, which add depth and movement to standard emoji. Nothing also says the update packs in new apps, though it has not listed all of them yet.

The full public release of Nothing OS 5.0 is scheduled for mid-October on the Phone (3). Other Nothing phones will have to wait until at least November to get the stable version. If you want to try the new features now, the open beta is available, but be ready for the possibility of errors and the usual beta bugs.

What the CMF Buds Neo offer for $25

While software updates grab the headlines, Nothing's sub-brand CMF by Nothing quietly added a new product to its lineup. The CMF Buds Neo are wireless earbuds that cost just $24.99 in the United States. They were announced on Twitter/X late last week and became available on August 26 in India. They are already listed on Amazon in other regions, with shipping starting later that week.

For $25, you might expect very basic earbuds with limited features. The CMF Buds Neo actually offer a surprising amount. Here is what they include:

• Up to 52 hours of total battery life, with 11 hours from the earbuds themselves and the rest from the charging case
• 35dB of active noise cancellation (ANC)
• A 12.4mm dynamic driver for sound
• Bluetooth 6.0 support
• Google Fast Pair for quick connection to Android devices
• Dual-device connection, so you can switch between your phone and laptop without re-pairing
• IP52 water resistance on the earbuds, meaning they can handle light sweat and splashes

All of these features are controlled through the Nothing X app, the same app used for other Nothing earbuds like the Ear (3a). The Buds Neo come in black, as well as a dual-tone blue and white/orange colorway. If the sound quality is decent, this is an incredible value for the price.

Two launches, two different audiences

Nothing has not sent out review units of the CMF Buds Neo yet, so we cannot say for sure how they sound. But on paper, the specs are impressive for the price. Active noise cancellation at $25 is rare. Bluetooth 6.0 is also a step up from the Bluetooth 5.x versions found in many budget earbuds. Dual-device connection is a convenience that usually costs more.

The IP52 rating means the earbuds are not fully waterproof, but they can handle a workout or a light rain. The 52-hour total battery life with the case means you can go days without charging. If you are looking for a cheap pair of wireless earbuds for everyday use, the CMF Buds Neo are worth a look.

What to do next: Nothing OS 5

The Nothing OS 5.0 beta and the CMF Buds Neo target different parts of the market. The beta is for people who already own a Nothing phone and want the latest software features as soon as possible. The Buds Neo are for anyone who wants decent wireless earbuds without spending a lot of money. Both announcements show that Nothing is trying to cover a wide range of users.

If you have a Phone (3) and want to try Android 17 now, you can download the open beta — just be patient if you see an error message. Nothing says it is fixing the server load issue. If you need new earbuds and do not want to spend more than $25, the CMF Buds Neo are available now. For more phone and accessory comparisons, check out our phone finder and phone comparison tool. You can also browse the latest mobile news for more updates on Nothing and other brands.