Nothing

 

since 2020 : The Transparent Challenger in Tech

 

In October 2020, Carl Pei, best known as the co-founder of OnePlus, unveiled his next big idea: a tech company called Nothing. The vision was bold yet deceptively simple — to remove barriers between people and technology and to create products that feel human, expressive, and beautifully designed.

 

The name itself speaks volumes. “Nothing” represents clarity and openness, technology that blends seamlessly into everyday life without unnecessary clutter.

 

From the start, Nothing leaned into design as a differentiator. Swedish collective Teenage Engineering, renowned for their cult OP-1 synthesizer, became a founding partner, shaping the brand’s distinctive visual identity. Early backers included tech legends like Tony Fadell, Kevin Lin, Steve Huffman, and filmmaker Casey Neistat, signaling that this was no ordinary startup.

 

 

about nothing

 

Nothing positions itself as a design-led alternative to the tech industry’s biggest players. Instead of competing solely on specs, the brand emphasizes transparency, minimalism, and playfulness. Its products are immediately recognizable through their see-through hardware, geometric forms, and the distinctive Glyph Interface lighting system. The goal is to make devices not just functional tools, but objects that feel expressive and personal.

 

The brand appeals to design-conscious consumers, tech enthusiasts, and younger buyers who are eager for something different from the standard Apple or Samsung experience. Like Apple, Nothing is building an interconnected ecosystem of phones, earbuds, accessories, and software — but with its own visual identity and a more open, community-driven spirit. By combining bold design with an ecosystem mindset, Nothing aims to turn everyday technology into something far more engaging and human.

 

Products

 

2021 (First Steps)

 

Ear (1) : Transparent wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and a carbon-neutral footprint. Priced at just under $100, they sold more than 600,000 units in the first year.

 

 

2022 (The First Smartphone)

 

Phone (1) : A transparent-backed Android device with the Glyph Interface — 900 programmable LEDs that doubled as functional and playful notifications.

- Specs included Snapdragon 778G+, a 120Hz OLED display, and dual 50MP cameras.

- Over 200,000 preorders cemented it as one of the buzziest launches of the year.

 

 

2023 (Refinement and Sub-Brand)

 

Ear (2) : Improved sound, multipoint Bluetooth, and Hi-Res Audio support.

Phone (2) : Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, enhanced cameras, and more advanced Glyph lighting.

CMF by Nothing : A new affordable line aimed at India, with products like the CMF Watch Pro, CMF Buds Pro, and CMF Power 65W charger.

 

 

2024 – 2025 (Expansion and AI Push)

 

Phone (2a) : A budget-friendly hit in India, Nothing’s fastest-growing market.

Ear (Open) : Open-ear earbuds designed for comfort and spatial awareness.

Phone (3a, 3a Pro, and Phone (3)) : Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, a new Glyph Matrix for interactive lighting, and AI features including “Essential Space,” which organizes notifications and tasks.

 

 

why nothing

 

Nothing has carved out a unique space by making technology feel expressive rather than purely functional.

 

Transparency: Products are physically transparent, symbolizing honesty and openness

Joyful tech: Devices are designed to feel fun and personal, not just utilitarian

Human-centric: Technology is meant to fade into the background and enhance life naturally

Sustainability: From carbon-neutral products to recycled packaging, the brand places environmental responsibility at its core

 

Brand Highlights

 

Funding and growth: Raised $70 million in 2022 and $96 million in 2023, reaching over one billion dollars in lifetime sales by 2024

 

Retail expansion: Opened a flagship store in London’s Soho in 2022, followed by pop-ups in Paris, New Delhi, and Tokyo

 

Community buzz: Raised $1.5 million from 8,000 retail investors in just 54 seconds and built a loyal following through Carl Pei’s direct engagement on social platforms

 

Challenges: The launch of Nothing Chats, an iMessage alternative, collapsed within 24 hours due to security concerns, and early supply chain issues limited Phone (1) availability

 

where to find

 

- nothing.tech (website) remains the main channel with global shipping

- Europe and UK: Available through Selfridges, Amazon UK, and select carriers

- India: Sold via Flipkart and strong offline distribution, making it one of the brand’s key markets

- United States: Expanded in 2023 with the launch of Phone (2), followed by wider availability of Phone (3) and accessories

- Global presence: Sold in more than 50 countries through retail and online partners

 

 

Website https://nothing.tech/

Instagram @nothing

Photo nothing