OnePlus teases Concept One smartphone with invisible camera ahead of CES 2020
- by Nick Cohen
- in Industry
- — Jan 4, 2020
While interesting, the teaser seems to shut down rumors that OnePlus' Concept One will be a folding phone. But the short clip also teases two of the smartphone innovations that OnePlus unveils during its press event on January 7. As well as getting a demo of the OnePlus Concept One, visitors will also see first-hand the next chapter of flagship excellence through various showcases including a 90Hz vs 60Hz comparison and a OnePlus Piano performance. But with a minimal share in the smartphone market worldwide, it'll take more than just OnePlus to push this niche design choice to become mainstream.
The 10-second video below shows us what a normal OnePlus handset looks like, with rounded corners and curved edges.
According to WIRED, who got an early sneak peek at the Concept One, the effect is created by a sheet of electromagnetic glass that covers the cameras. However, the camera of the phone basically is not invisible.
Let us know what you think about these disappearing cameras from the new OnePlus device on our Facebook page.
With the launch of the Concept One, OnePlus is looking to get feedback and then look at the possibility of making a device like this available to a wider set of users.
The tweet that OnePlus shared today doesn't go into a ton of detail, simply pointing to the concept's "invisible camera", and "color-shifting glass technology".
OnePlus is taking a risk with its original idea of including electrochromic glass in its smartphone, but it is backed up well. All of the magic lies within the glass that overlays on prime of the sensors, which is similar to the non-obligatory sunroof on the McLaren 720S supercar or the home windows on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This is a glass that can be painted electronically, which can hide the lenses of the rear camera behind the rear glass at the bottom of the phone, revealing the trio of sensors only when they are in use. The electrochromic glass is manufactured from layers of glass and polymer, which is not simply changed. But we are talking about a smartphone here and not a Boeing or McLaren, so the shelf life is comparatively a lot lower. The clip does not explain it and we will have to wait until OnePlus tackles it all during the press conference.
Furthermore, Lau believes the price of the know-how will come down because it will get matured and will get widespread amongst different manufacturers.
