Nothing Teases Phone 3a Lite Amid Backlash

Nothing teased its upcoming Phone 3a Lite with a three-second X video and set an Oct. 29 launch at 9 a.m. ET/1 p.m. GMT, hinting at a lower-priced take on last year’s 3a line and showing a blinking LED in the corner. But fan anger is focused elsewhere: the latest Nothing OS 4.0 beta reveals a Lock Glimpse tool and preinstalled partner apps, prompting accusations of “bloatware.” Cofounder Akis Evangelis defended the move as a revenue necessity for non-flagships, while users on Reddit and a Change.org petition urge a reversal.