Updated 28/02/2025: Nothing has officially shared that the new physical buttons on the Nothing Phone (3a) series will activate Essential Space. Based on this leaked video, it appears to be for taking screenshots and adding notes. Perhaps the leaked information is accurate and this is Nothing's answer to Pixel Screenshot which is limited to the Pixel 9 series.
https://twitter.com/nothing/status/1895051258911756427
Original article, 27/02/2025: Nothing Phone (3) is expected to launch with a new operating system called Nothing OS which is fully AI-focused. It is an AI agent operating system that can help users use the device. However, for 2025 Nothing will launch the Phone (3a) series first. The additional physical button functions on this device have been leaked and it clearly shows Nothing's mission and vision.
This button is said to be the Essential Key, but it is still not certain if this name is used because the Essential brand belongs to them. This button when pressed will launch the Essential Space application. Essential Space based on the leaked screenshots is a hub for users to manage notes, screenshots, voice recordings and will have AI features to summarize content.
If it is true that this is an AI button to make it easier for users to perform important tasks and productivity, we can expect that the Phone (3) will have more powerful AI physical buttons. The Nothing Phone (3a) series will be powered by Snapdragon chips, use cameras with zoom capabilities, be made of durable materials, and use a new, fresher design. It will be launched on March 4 and will enter the Malaysian market soon because it has passed SIRIM.