OnePlus has been absolutely killing the smartphone game in 2019 and, from the looks of it, will continue to do so in the future. Why you may ask? Well, the American smartphone brand just posted a teaser for its future smartphone concept and it certainly has us hyped up for more details. They call it the OnePlus Concept One.
As mentioned earlier, we only got to see a teaser of the upcoming concept device yet. However, from what we saw in the 10-second video, it seems as if the new device will have an invisible camera module that will have the ability to reveal itself when in use. Yes, you read that right. It may seem from the video that it may just be a light trick. However, OnePlus confirms by calling it an “invisible camera”, which is exactly the type of technology we expect in 2020.
We’re bringing the #OnePlusConceptOne to #CES2020, but you don’t have to wait: you can get a sneak peek at it right here, along with its groundbreaking “invisible camera” and color-shifting glass technology. pic.twitter.com/elsV9DKctn
— OnePlus (@oneplus) January 3, 2020
So you may be wondering by now that what exactly is the science behind this technology and how exactly has OnePlus achieved it? Well, the answer to the first question is Electrochromic Glass. It is a type of glass that allows you to control the level of its tint/transparency electronically. While it has been used in homes and offices for quite a while now, its most recent application is in McLaren’s supercars.
And if you know a thing or two about McLaren’s relationships with OnePlus, you’ll get the answer to your second question. Basically, the same technology that allows you to control the tint of your McLaren’s sunroof now allows you to hide the camera module of the Concept One. It is a remarkable feat especially if you consider the size difference between a car and a smartphone. If you look at the image below, you can see it working on a random test.
So what is the benefit of this technology in future smartphones? The answer is simple and it may disappoint you. The only possibility of this being useful, that we can think of, is a much cleaner design. As you may have noticed, just like all recent smartphones, the concept in the video has the same glass and metal construction.
While on a normal smartphone the camera module may stand out or even protrude, ruining the overall flush design of the smartphone. This, however, will change the way future smartphones will look. The device will be fully revealed in CES 2020 and we can’t wait to get to know about what OnePlus is up to for the year ahead.