Nothing Phone (1): The Glyph interface's six hidden functions

 The Glyph interface is one of the Nothing Phone (1)'s main selling factors. This microLED system serves as a visual notification system, with more or less hidden capabilities that I'll demonstrate here and in a video.

You've undoubtedly already heard about it in one of the innumerable reviews and other videos about the Nothing Phone (1), the year's most (over?)hyped smartphone with glowing symbols that light up when you get a message. It's similar to waving a bunch of keys in front of an infant's eyes to distract the child, only the miniature lights are designed to entice an audience hungry for gimmicks and coolness.

And I can see some of them laughing, but not without resentment, at this Glyph interface, which they see as worthless as Google's late Soli project at the time (sniff). However, we are not here to discuss it. The Glyph interface is more than just a flashing ringtone.

Glyph should be synchronised with your music.

You can programme Glyph to light up in time with the music playing via the Nothing Phone speakers (1). For those who have seen the old Windows Media Player visuals, it is similar. This capability works with both streaming music from Spotify or other apps and locally stored tracks on your smartphone.

Make a contact named Abra.

Navigate to the Glyph interface's settings and then to Ringtones.

Add Abra as a contact.

Return to the Glyph settings.

The Visualize music option should be accessible.

Press it to turn it on.

You can remove the Abra contact, but the option will still be available. There's no need to explain to your spouse (or anybody else) who this renowned Abra is.

Making use of Glyph as a flash in your images and movies

The Nothing Phone (1) sports a traditional LED flash for customers who like to screw up their images in low light circumstances rather than using the specific night mode. Glyph, on the other hand, may be used to illuminate a scene. The LEDs then light up in the same way that influencers utilise selfie rings to brighten up their spectacular vlogs.

In the picture programme, click the flash symbol in the upper left corner of the screen.

Press three times until you see the Glyph icon, which is represented by the letter C.

When filming a video, turn on the red light.

The Nothing Phone (1), like a traditional camera, features a little red light on the rear to signify that the smartphone is shooting. This light might be quite handy if you are shooting with the back camera module and can't see the screen to see if the smartphone is recording properly.

Navigate to the picture application.

At the top of the screen, press the downward pointing arrow.

Select the symbol with the two concentric circles in the centre.

When you charge the Nothing Phone, the progress bar will appear (1)

When you connect in the Nothing Phone (1), the Glyph interface will display a progress bar to show you the smartphone's charge level. It gradually fills up as the Nothing Phone (1) battery charges.

Navigate to the Glyph interface's settings.

Turn on the Charging metre option.

Make the Glyph interface always visible.

The Flip to Glyph function on the Nothing Phone (1) lets you to put the smartphone face down and emit light signals when you get alerts. It's similar to an Always On Display, but with glyphs.

Navigate to the Glyph interface's settings.

Select the Flip to Glyph option.'

Create your own ringtones and notifications

Nothing comes with a variety of ringtones and notifications by default, but you can also make your own using uploaded audio files. The glyphs will then synchronise with the ringtone automatically. You may also link a certain glyph to a specific contact.

Navigate to the Glyph interface's settings.

Navigate to Ringtones.

Select the audio file you want to use as your ringtone.

If you simply want the ringtone sound, you may turn off the lights.

That concludes our look at the Glyph interface features on the Nothing Phone (1). I'm not trying to convince you that this functionality is absolutely necessary.

However, I believe it adds a level of gamification to the user experience, similar to easter eggs that must be uncovered. In any event, it's not bothersome in any way; it's just a benefit that you can choose whether or not to utilise.

What are your thoughts on this Glyph interface?