Nothing’s AI assistant “Essential Space” could cost $120 per year after free trial

Nothing’s planned AI service “Essential Space” might come with a substantial price tag according to evidence discovered in the company’s app code. The AI assistant, currently offered as a free early access feature on Nothing Phone (3a) devices, appears to be heading toward a subscription model that could cost users as much as $120 annually after initial trial periods expire.

The big picture: Nothing is developing a dedicated AI assistant called “Essential Space” that analyzes screenshots, pictures, and voice recordings to generate actionable information, but app code suggests the currently free service may eventually require a paid subscription.

• The AI-powered feature is designed to create to-do lists, reminders, and other organizational tools based on user content, with additional capabilities planned for future releases.
• Nothing’s Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro include a dedicated “Essential Key” on the side to provide quick access to the AI assistant.

Behind the numbers: Android Authority discovered references to pricing in Nothing’s latest software update, with strings mentioning “free trial” periods and “AI credits” suggesting a future monetization strategy.

• The code indicates users might receive a one-year free trial before transitioning to a paid subscription model.
• The potential $120 annual price point would position Essential Space as a premium AI service in the increasingly competitive smartphone AI assistant market.

What they’re saying: Nothing has officially maintained that no final decisions have been made regarding the eventual pricing structure for Essential Space.

• “We’re currently offering early access to Essential Space and are focused on refining the experience based on user feedback,” the company stated in response to pricing inquiries.
• Nothing described the service as an “AI-powered hub for notes, ideas, and inspirations – designed to capture, process, and recall like a second memory.”

Coming attractions: Nothing has already teased upcoming enhancements to the service, including “Flip to Record” functionality for automatic voice recordings and additional features that could potentially justify a premium pricing tier.