The Glyph Phone, developed by Nothing, offers several unique features and functions that aim to help users stay present and avoid unnecessary distractions. One aspect that could be improved is the clarity of notifications settings. While users can select specific notifications from apps like Instagram Direct Messages, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger, the settings page does not provide a clear indication of how granular the options can be. To mark a notification as an “Essential Glyph,” users must press and hold the down arrow on the notification itself.
Another useful feature of the Glyph Phone is the integration of Glyph lights with the Glyph Timer. Users can set their preferred length for the timer and initiate it by simply turning the phone face down. One of the LED strips on the device will light up and start fading in correspondence with the timer, allowing users to keep track of time without constantly looking at their phone. Initially, the Glyph lights only worked with Uber, providing real-time updates on the driver’s progress. However, Nothing has plans to integrate with other third-party apps in the future, enhancing the functionality of the LED strips.
While these features offer practical solutions to minimize phone usage, there are a few challenges to overcome. One obstacle is the muscle memory of placing a smartphone face up, which can lead to users forgetting about the Glyph lights. It takes time to adapt to the new habit of placing the phone face down. Additionally, placing the phone directly on surfaces without a clear case that keeps the Gorilla Glass 5 screen contact-free may result in inevitable scratches over time.
Nothing’s ethos revolves around encouraging intentional phone usage. The company aims to create software and hardware that inspire users to utilize their smartphones only when necessary. The monochrome interface of the Glyph Phone adds to this philosophy, as it resembles Google’s “Bedtime Mode” in Android. The grayscale interface discourages mindless scrolling before bed and doesn’t display app labels, contributing to a more intentional phone experience.
However, after using the permanently grayscale interface for several weeks, it becomes apparent that it may not effectively achieve its intended purpose. Though phone usage may decrease due to the absence of certain third-party apps, a monochrome interface alone might not serve as a strong cue for bedtime and sleep. Instead, it provides an elegant design aesthetic.
The Nothing OS 2.0, which powers the Glyph Phone, boasts a visually stunning interface that showcases Nothing’s widgets in a remarkable way. The ability to place these widgets on the lock screen adds an extra layer of convenience and aesthetic appeal that surpasses other Android phones. Moreover, the notification and ringtone sounds on the Glyph Phone are unique and distinct. Nothing has also introduced a “Glyph Composer,” allowing users to create personalized ringtones and notification alerts, reminiscent of the early days of Android’s customizable approach to phone usage.
In terms of fundamental features, the Glyph Phone offers a remarkable experience. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate provides excellent visuals and achieves sufficient brightness even on sunny days. The device’s 4,700-mAh battery easily lasts a full day, with over 40 percent remaining after four hours of screen time. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and equipped with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, the Glyph Phone delivers impressive speed, responsiveness, and smooth performance.
Overall, the Glyph Phone from Nothing presents innovative features that promote intentional phone usage and aim to reduce unnecessary distractions. While some aspects, like notification settings and the effectiveness of a permanently grayscale interface, may require improvements, the phone’s visuals, unique sounds, and fundamental functionalities contribute to an enhanced smartphone experience. With its impressive display, long battery life, and powerful processor, the Glyph Phone offers a compelling option for users seeking a device that emphasizes intentional usage.
