Nothing Phone (3a) users can now click pictures using the Essential Key

Nothing Phone 3a

Nothing has rolled out a new update for its AI-powered hub, Essential Space, and it comes with a pretty handy feature—now, you can use the Essential Key to quickly snap photos, just like the Camera Control Button on Apple’s iPhone 16.

With the new Camera Capture update, a short press of the Essential Key captures an image instantly, while a long press lets you add a voice note. This makes it super easy to separate everyday photos from quick reminders. Regular pictures will go to the Nothing Gallery app, while your notes with photos will stay in Essential Space.

If you haven’t heard of Essential Space yet, it’s Nothing’s AI-powered tool that helps you take notes, save ideas, and keep track of important moments without any hassle. Think of it as a second memory. And there’s more to come—features like Smart Collections, Focused Search, and Flip to Record are on the way in the coming months.

This update is part of Nothing OS 3.1, which also brings improvements to the camera and Always On Display, making the overall experience smoother.

The rollout is happening in phases, so if you have a Nothing Phone (3a) or (3a) Pro, you can check for the update by heading to Settings > System > System Updates.

Nothing is making life easier for its users by bringing features that iPhone users already enjoy. If you love taking quick snaps, this update is definitely worth checking out!