Latest news with #Pei
India Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Carl Pei says Nothing wants people to use their phones less after launching Rs 79,999 Phone 3
Carl Pei, the co-founder of Nothing, says the company doesn't want people glued to their phones all the time — an interesting take, especially as the brand has just launched its most expensive device yet. Speaking to Bloomberg after the launch of the Nothing Phone 3, Pei explained that smartphones were originally made to boost creativity and productivity, not to encourage endless scrolling. 'It was a bicycle for the mind,' he said, referring to how smartphones were once meant to be useful tools, just like the personal computer. But over time, people have got used to picking up their phones and getting distracted. Pei admits he does this himself, saying, 'Sometimes when I have to respond to an important message, I just happen to go into my social media and scroll a bit afterwards.'advertisementThe new Phone 3, priced from Rs 79,999, is Nothing's biggest move yet into the premium space. It's being marketed as a flagship product — one that aims to compete directly with top-end offerings from Apple and Samsung. But while the phone comes with all the bells and whistles — including a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a 6.67-inch OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, and triple 50-megapixel rear cameras — Pei insists the goal is not to make users more dependent on their phones, but to help them 'stay in focus.' He says the idea is to keep users connected to important things without having to constantly check their approach to design still plays a big role. The Phone 3 keeps the company's signature transparent back, now updated with a new 'Glyph Matrix' made up of hundreds of programmable micro LEDs. This is meant to help users manage notifications in a more subtle, less distracting way. There's also a glowing red light that comes on when the camera is recording, and a new round button to control Glyph functions. Pei also touched on how AI fits into their plans. While Nothing isn't focused on building its own language models, it's exploring smart ways to apply AI on the phone. 'We want to be able to really understand the users to then automate the smartphone use as much as possible,' he Phone 3 runs on Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5, and includes AI tools like Essential Space and universal phone search. Pei says most Nothing phones are now made in India, and the Phone 3 is even being exported from India to the a growing user base and revenue expected to hit $1 billion this year, Pei says the company is in talks for more funding — but has 'nothing to announce' at the moment.- Ends
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
From Kuala Selangor to luxury hotels worldwide — This family's legacy lives on
THE huge smile. It's the first thing I notice about Pei Xien Yeoh. Then, the unmistakable voice. Even as I step into the cool embrace of Pangkor Laut Resort's all-day dining restaurant, grateful for a reprieve from the sticky island heat outside, it's impossible to miss her. There's a brightness to her presence; a warmth that radiates before she even speaks. She reminds me, in more ways than one, of her gregarious father, Datuk Mark Yeoh Seok Kah — executive director of YTL Corporation Bhd and the formidable force behind YTL Hotels' steady rise. The resemblance isn't only in the voice or the ease with which she laughs, but in the way she draws you in — with the easy confidence of someone who has never known small rooms, and yet with none of the detachment you might expect from a fourth-generation scion of one of Malaysia's most storied business families. She beams as I approach, rising from her seat to greet me with a firm handshake and an even bigger grin. "You look like you could use a drink," she exclaims, waving a waiter over. Just hours earlier, I'd seen her on the beachfront, cheering on competitors at the Chapman's Challenge — an annual race held in honour of British soldier Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, who famously escaped Japanese troops through these very jungles during World War 2. Then, she was clad in a plain white T-shirt and light blue jeans, long hair a little damp with sweat, skin glistening in the afternoon sun. "I love milestone years," says Pei as we settle in, adding sagely: "… because they kind of remind you of everything that came before." This year is one of them — the 80th anniversary of Chapman's escape and the 70th anniversary of YTL's founding. And for Pei, it's more than a corporate milestone. It's personal. It's history wrapped in memory, carried from one generation to the next. "As a Yeoh," she continues, "… the weight is heavier. I work hard not for the money, but for the legacy. For what my grandfather built. And for the people who built it with him." Her grandfather was Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, the man whose name is stitched into Malaysia's economic story — a titan of industry who, even at the height of his empire, made time for his family. Pei remembers growing up next door to him and spending time with him every week. Shares Pei: "Even though I'm the youngest, I had 16 good years with him. My grandfather was a great lover of history, much like my father. Because of that, all of us in the family grew up knowing the story of how my great-grandfather left Kinmen — which was part of China then, though it's now considered Taiwan — at the age of 18." She continues: "He made his way to Klang, where he began working as a bookkeeper for a man who owned a planking business. In time, he married the owner's daughter, and they moved to Kuala Selangor to start their life." The family, confides Pei, takes great pride in those roots — in being from Kuala Selangor. "When my grandfather was alive, he would make it a point to drive there every weekend to buy fish from the local market. It wasn't just about the produce; it was about ensuring we supported the small businesses and the people who had stood by us through the years. He believed in honouring those ties, in nurturing relationships that go beyond transactions," she recalls softly. And that spirit of looking after the people who look after you is something she herself carries, and it has become a big part of what drives Pei — even though it's not always easy work. Brows furrowing, she recalls the oft-told story of the 1970s financial crisis, when the family risked losing it all. "My grandparents pawned their gold and jewellery to honour contracts when others ran. It paid off in the end, but more than that, it taught us that your word is your bond." Those lessons were drilled deep. And while Pei might carry the ease of privilege, she also shoulders the weight of inheritance. It's something she's always been conscious of, even as she carved her own path. "It was all part of the master plan," confides Pei with a grin, recounting her years abroad. At 16, she left for the United Kingdom, finishing sixth form before earning a degree in History, Politics and Economics from University College London. But even then, the expectation wasn't to waltz straight into the family business. "I wanted to prove to myself I could thrive without the name," she admits, shrugging her shoulders lightly. And so, for two years, she did — as a management consultant with Deloitte Malaysia. It was a world of high-stakes projects and long hours, a place where her last name meant little. "It was the best decision I made," she reflects, adding: "It taught me how to manage people and expectations, and deliver under pressure. Skills that I use every day now." When the call came last December to return, she didn't hesitate. "I came back willingly. It felt like coming home." But it wasn't a simple homecoming, though, as the YTL Pei returned to was a company racing ahead. New hotel openings in Japan and Australia, artificial intelligence (AI) integrations and ambitious expansions were reshaping the hospitality landscape. "It's been a crazy time to come in," she admits, chuckling heartily. "We have 38 properties now, with a few more coming. Every morning, I read through all the guest comments — what I call my happy hour, even though it's not an hour anymore." But amid spreadsheets and strategy decks, Pei holds tight to something less tangible. "Hospitality is about people. Data can tell you what's happening, but it won't tell you why." It's a philosophy inherited from her father, a man whose booming voice and sharp mind she reveres, and whose warmth, she insists, is often overlooked. "People think he's intimidating because he's loud," she says, beaming broadly before adding: "But he's got the kindest heart. He always says — people first. Take care of your team, your guests, the community. The profits will come." BOND OF FAMILY That ethos runs deep in the family. Smiling, Pei recalls childhood holidays at Pangkor Laut, long before she imagined she'd one day help oversee its legacy. "A lot of people ask if it's lonely being an only child, but no. I have 26 cousins and now with the great-grandchildren, there are 30 of us. We grew up as one big noisy unit." Dinners were never quiet affairs. Shares Pei: "There's no such thing as separating work and family. Business decisions get made at the dinner table. Everyone chimes in. That's how it's always been." It was, she reflects, an unconventional but intentional upbringing — the sort that's designed to prepare her for the weight she now carries. Chuckling, she recounts how, as a child, she'd beg for DVDs at Speedy Video. "My parents made me pick one a month. It was their way of teaching self-control — you can have anything, but you need to steward it well." The lesson stuck. Even now, as she manages people, budgets and the delicate politics of family business, she's acutely aware of what's been entrusted to her. The responsibility is vast. "A lot of us were born with a head start," she says candidly, adding: "We didn't live through the crises our grandparents did. But we're constantly reminded of those sacrifices, so we don't grow complacent." Pei's admiration for her grandfather is evident as she reiterates: "He was a man of few words, but he'd always remind us to let our work do the talking. He always believed integrity mattered more than anything. Whatever agreement you enter, keep your word. That's what built this company." A RESPONSIBILITY Today, as Pei steps deeper into her leadership role — overseeing strategy, transformation, people and culture, even YTL Hotels' foray into artificial intelligence (AI) — those principles anchor her. Eyes flashing passionately, she says: "We have to innovate, but not lose the DNA. You can automate bookings, but you can't automate kindness." Her father, now in his 60s, remains her greatest mentor and critic. "We butt heads sometimes," she confesses with a laugh, adding: "He calls himself a technological dinosaur. He's got the spirit for change, but sometimes I have to show him how." Despite their occasional clashes, the bond is undeniable. "He's my boss, my father and a cheeky friend," confides Pei, elaborating: "At work, if he doesn't agree with an idea, he'll make it known. But it's never personal. At the end of the day, it's about making decisions for the good of the group, the staff, the legacy." Asked what's the best advice her father has ever given her, Pei shares: "He's given plenty, but I think one of the best pieces of advice he's ever given me — and the one he reminds me of often — is to never stop learning. He recently turned 60, a milestone in itself, but his mindset has always been that it's okay to be wrong, as long as you keep learning from it." Elaborating, she says: "He believes you should never aim to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, surround yourself with people you can learn from, people who challenge your thinking. It's a mentality rooted in humility, in staying open, and in recognising that wisdom often comes from the most unexpected places." When asked how she defines success, Pei doesn't mention profits or property counts. She reflects: "For me, it's about love. How much your people care about you, about the brand, about what we stand for." It's a belief she sees lived out in YTL's long-serving employees. Adds Pei, pride lacing her tone: "We have people who've been with us 30, 40 years. It's not just loyalty — it's love. And if your team loves where they work, your guests will feel it too." That, she believes, is what sets YTL Hotels apart. "We were here first and we know this industry inside out. But you can know everything and still get left behind. "So, we have to lead. Not just measure what's happening, but set the temperature," she adds passionately. As for the next 70 years, Pei is determined to keep telling stories — of people, of place, of struggle and triumph. She confides: "I want to document the little stories. The man who laid the first pipe on Pangkor Laut. The housekeeper who's worked here since day one. The local fishermen who bring us fresh anchovies. These are the stories that matter." Suffice to say, she's proud of where the brand is headed, with new properties rising in Thailand, Australia and Japan. But she understands that growth means nothing if the heart of it is lost. "We can get as big as we want," Pei says quietly, adding: "… but if we lose our soul, we lose everything." It's a lesson she carries in her bones — her grandfather's grit, her father's fire, and her own steadfast belief in the worth of people. "As long as we lead with integrity, love our people, and never forget where we came from," she adds, rising to leave, "we'll be alright." The smile lingers as she bids me goodbye, already turning to tend to a staff member waiting discreetly nearby. Duty calls, as it always has in this family. And with that same easy warmth and quiet resolve, she walks away — carrying not just a name, but a promise.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- NDTV
Nothing OS 4.0 Release Date, Open Beta, Android 16 Updates For Nothing Phone 3 And More
Nothing OS 4.0 Release: Nothing unveiled its flagship smartphone, Nothing Phone 3, earlier this month, alongside the company's first headphones, the Nothing Headphones 1. The Phone 3 is currently shipping with Nothing OS 3.5 (based on last year's Android 15), but Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirmed that OS 4.0, based on Android 16, will be released this autumn, between September and November 2025. The Nothing Phone 3 will be the first device to receive the update. After Phone 3's update, older models like the Phone 2a and Phone 2 are expected to receive the update. An open beta is predicted to be released ahead of the stable release, keeping up with the trend set during the Nothing OS 3 launch last year. Nothing OS 4.0: What to expect? Nothing OS 4.0 may feature smarter UI suggestions, faster system performance and new artificial intelligence (AI) integration. Developers will have access to upgraded Glyph Matrix API, enabling interactive widgets, mini-games and glanceable notifications directly from the Phone 3's rear LEDs. "Android 16 live alerts open up a lot of possibilities for glyph matrix and glyph interface," said Mr Pei in a post on X (formerly Twitter). android 16 live alerts open up a lot of possibilities for glyph matrix and glyph interface — Carl Pei (@getpeid) July 6, 2025 Nothing Phone 3: Specs and features Launched on July 1, the Nothing 3 smartphone features a 6.67-inch display, a triple 50 MP rear camera setup and a 50 MP front camera for stunning photos. Powered by the latest 8s Gen 4 processor, the phone features a 5,500 mAh battery for long-lasting performance. It comes in two RAM variants: 12 GB and 16 GB. RAM: 12 GB, 16 GB ROM: 512 GB Display: 16.94 cm (6.67 inch) Rear Cameras: 50MP + 50MP + 50MP Front Camera: 50MP Battery: 5500 mAh Processor: 8s Gen 4 mobile platform Nothing Phone 3 Price On Flipkart, the base variant of the model is available for pre-orders at Rs 79,999 after a special discount of Rs 5,000. Moreover, deals on various credit cards, exchange offers and other discounts can bring the phone's price to under Rs 50,000. Meanwhile, the 16 GB variant can be pre-ordered for Rs 89,999 before the discount.
Gizmodo
03-07-2025
- Gizmodo
Nothing Says the Phone 3 Isn't One Big Gimmick, but I'm Not So Sure
Nothing CEO Carl Pei wants you to know one thing: the startup's smartphones aren't just relying on a schtick. The Phone 3, which was finally unveiled this week after seemingly never-ending leaks and teasers, is being billed as the company's 'true flagship,' which means… to be honest, I don't know what the hell it means. But it's clear that Nothing sees it as its most premium phone yet, which is evident not just through its own messaging but also its starting price. The Phone 3 costs $800—more than any other Nothing phone before it, and as much as an iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25. And to sell users on that flagship status, Nothing is turning to a few features, the most notable of which is a re-envisioned Glyph Interface that evolves from LED light strips on the back of the phone to the 'Glyph Matrix.' This little circular screen on the top-right of the Phone 3's backside is made of 489 'individually firing LEDs.' The result is a more condensed dot matrix-style interface that can display quite a few things, including caller ID information, timers, a volume indicator, and even weird little games like rock, paper, scissors, or spin the bottle. You might be reading this and thinking 'Aw, cute,' but just know that Pei's ears are likely ringing as a result. In Pei's own words, he's absolutely sick of everyone calling its phones' Glyph Interface, or Glyph Matrix in this case, a 'gimmick.' In a pre-recorded launch video, Pei said: 'Some people have been calling it a gimmick, and I just have to set the record straight; it's not a gimmick.' To back up his claims, Nothing even rolled out some stats about how many users have the Glyph Interface enabled on their devices. According to them? It's 8/10 users. That's good… I guess? Seems to me that a stat proving that users of your phone haven't rage quit a feature isn't exactly the best metric for judging whether or not it's actually useful or materially changing the smartphone experience. But hey, they didn't throw their phones in the trash! The thing is, Nothing has some big ambitions. The company wants to 'make tech fun again' on one hand, but with NothingOS (its custom skin over Android) and the Glyph Matrix, it's also made overtures to the idea of weaning you off your phone addiction and easing the scourge of attention-seeking apps. Those big ambitions are supposed to also be big, bold reasons to buy a Nothing phone over the many, many Android counterparts. And because of those ambitions, it's worth asking: is the Glyph Matrix changing your experience, or is it just a literally flashy way to make its phones look the part? I can't say for sure if the Glyph Matrix does that since I haven't used the Phone 3 yet, but what I can say is that Nothing has some work to do in proving its not-a-gimmick is actually a game changer—especially when you look at the rest of the Phone 3's specs. As much as Nothing has gone pretty hard on the 'true flagship' idea, the Phone 3 may only border on achieving that in some key areas. The chip, for example, is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8S Gen 4, which is new, to be sure, but powers devices that most would consider to be kind of flagships, like Poco's F7 5G and Xiaomi's Redmi Turbo 4 Pro. It's certainly not the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite used in the Samsung Galaxy S25. But, whatever—having the newest chipset isn't the most important thing in the smartphone experience, anyway. OnePlus 13 vs Nothing Phone (3) Which TRUE Flagship would you pick? — OnePlus Club (@OnePlusClub) July 3, 2025So, what about cameras? There is a triple-camera system this time around with the addition of a periscope sensor, but as some have noted, that sensor is actually smaller than the one on the much cheaper Phone 3a Pro, which could mean a lesser image quality on zoomed shots. Again, I haven't used the Phone 3 yet, so I can't say for sure, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. There is some evidence that the cameras might actually end up being a point for Nothing in the flagship department, though. According to a hands-on from Mrwhosetheboss, the Phone 3 performs favorably against comparable Samsung camera systems. Finally, there's the screen, which uses an LTPS instead of LTPO. That means that the Phone 3's display can only dynamically adjust down to 30Hz as opposed to a lower 1Hz used in Samsung flagship phones. Phones with LTPO screens tend to have longer battery life as a result of using a barely on refresh rate when idling. It bears repeating: I can't say for sure how the Phone 3 performs in this department, but it is a noticeable downgrade from other flagship phones that use LTPO displays. The Phone 3's status as a bona fide flagship is still debatable on paper, especially when comparing meat-and-potatoes phone specs like the display, cameras, and chips. And with all of those areas firmly in contention, it makes the unique parts of the Phone 3 even more important. That's a lot of pressure to put on the Glyph Matrix, which is a fun, retro way to play silly games in some use cases, but as Pei said himself, the Glyphs aren't a gimmick, okay? And if they're not, Nothing better hope that all of those little pixels are worth their weight in real legal tender, because damn—$800 in this economy for a startup still figuring things out? That's almost two whole Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Carl Pei's Nothing launches high-end smartphone, expands into premium over-ear headphones in global push
Nothing, the hardware startup founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, launched its new £799 (Rs 79,999) Phone (3) flagship on Tuesday — its most expensive smartphone to date — entering competition with established players like Apple and Samsung, known for their high-end devices. The London-based company aims to gain market share in the flagship segment across markets such as the UK, India, and Europe by encouraging users to upgrade their devices and consider alternative brands. 'Phone (3) is built to show that there's still room for joy, identity, and creativity in the tech we carry every day,' said Nothing CEO and Co-founder Carl Pei during the product launch event in London. 'The phone builds on an idea we've had since Phone (1): turning the internal logic of the phone into something visual, emotional, and even architectural.' The Phone (3) is Nothing's first true flagship smartphone and comes at a much higher price compared to the brand's previous devices, signaling a shift as the company looks to move beyond its niche image and enter the high-end segment in a global push, with availability in the US and Canada. Nothing has traditionally sold smartphones in the $250 to $700 price range. However, with the Phone (3), the brand breaks that price barrier and enters the premium segment. The Nothing Phone (3) continues to feature a translucent back and now includes three cameras on the back but they are placed in an unconventional layout. The phone has a 6.67-inch OLED display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. The brand is ditching the Glyph lighting system, previously used to alert users about notifications, and is introducing the new Glyph Matrix in its. 'The Glyph is not a gimmick. Eight out of ten of our users have the Glyph interface enabled from day one,' said Pei. 'We believe smartphones should work for you—not the other way around. So we built the Glyph interface to create a calmer, more expressive way to stay connected, letting you see what's important without turning on the screen.' 'With Phone (3), the Glyph evolves into something smarter and more capable. We call it the Glyph Matrix,'he continued. 'You still get the same glanceable signals—notifications for apps, contacts, timers, and more—but now it's more useful and customizable, because you can show much more content on a screen than on light strips. There are functional tools like a stopwatch, a visual selfie counter, and person-specific notifications, so you know who's calling or texting without even lifting your phone.' Nothing, a smartphone maker backed by Google's venture capital arm and iPod creator Tony Fadell, was founded in 2021 and has gained a following among geeks and enthusiasts. Pei's startup initially made its name by offering affordable and mid-range smartphones with distinct, premium, see-through designs. The largest market for Nothing is India, followed by Germany and the UK. In 2024, Nothing doubled its annual revenue, surpassing the $500 million mark, and recently reached total sales of $1 billion. 'With the Phone (3), the company is entering risky territory, directly competing with global giants. However, its differentiated positioning may help the brand gain some traction among tech enthusiasts and early adopters seeking a fresh alternative to legacy brands,' Ekta Mittal, Senior Analyst, Connected Devices at CCS Insight, told Mittal agrees that Nothing is trying to break out of its niche image with the Phone (3) and is aiming to target mainstream consumers who are loyal to legacy brands such as Apple and Samsung. However, it would take years for a new brand like Nothing to match the level of brand recognition and close the brand equity gap that Apple and Samsung enjoy. 'Nothing is carving out its niche, targeting market share from Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others,' she said, adding that the brand might gain traction with the fall of Xiaomi, particularly in India. Nothing also touts advanced AI features in its Phone (3), but they function more like a smart AI layer, rather than being something that overwhelms users. This year, all major smartphone makers have been highlighting their devices' AI capabilities—trying to ride the wave of excitement around the technology and give users a compelling reason to upgrade to more expensive handsets. However, analysts have questioned whether AI features have enough appeal to actually drive people to spend more on a new upgrade. Nothing also announced Headphone 1, new over-ear noise‑canceling headphones launching at $300. The Nothing Headphone 1 features a distinctive design consistent across its products, featuring squircle-shaped earcups, see-through elements and support for a 3.5 mm audio cable. Its design resembles quirky cassette tapes, available in black or silver, with 'Nothing Headphone 1' branding on one earcup and 'Sound by KEF' on the other. These headphones may appeal to users who prefer over-ear designs over true wireless earbuds. They offer cushioned comfort, active noise cancellation, and Spatial Audio—which makes them suitable for longer listening sessions. However, like the Phone (3), they are priced in the premium category, aligning with competitors such as Bose and Sony. The higher cost likely reflects materials and build quality beyond typical plastic designs. 'Nothing entered as an accessory brand with TWS Ear (1), creating initial buzz and success. Its design and premium sound experience became core USPs, which it aims to replicate in the over-ear category,' Mittal said. Mittal further added that the launch of the Headphone 1 is well‑timed to complement Nothing's smartphone ecosystem, as 'accessories represent an important supporting category with healthy margins and strong bundling opportunities for brands with sufficient strength. But Nothing's Headphone 1 still costs less than Apple's AirPods Max and Sonos' Ace. The main market for Nothing's audio products is the US, followed by the UK, Germany, and Japan. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
