OnePlus shows concept smartphone with electrochromic glass that hides cameras

OnePlus has unveiled its Concept One smartphone. That device will not be on the market for the time being, but must show new techniques. On the back is electrochromic glass that can be darkened to hide the cameras.

According to OnePlus get the device a ‘groundbreaking invisible camera’ and glass that can change color. The teaser video shows a camera module with three cameras and a flash. That module can be ‘hidden’ by darkening the glass.

OnePlus has clarified how that works to Wired. Electrochromic glass is used, which can be darkened by applying voltage. This technique is used, among other things, in the windows of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. McLaren also uses such glass; OnePlus has collaborated with that car manufacturer for the glass in the concept smartphone.

OnePlus device with a separate module of electrochromic glass. Photos: Wired

In the Dreamliner, it takes seconds for the tint of the glass to change. According to OnePlus, the Concept One smartphone takes a fraction of a second. In its own words, OnePlus has been working on processing the glass in a phone since the end of 2018, after a designer saw the technology in a McLaren car.

The video also makes it clear that the concept smartphone will have a physical slider button. OnePlus also uses it on its current models. Users can then silence the phone. Furthermore, the video shows a screen with rounded corners and edges. The device does not appear to be foldable.

With the wording ‘invisible cameras’, OnePlus can also hint at a front camera behind the screen. Oppo has already demonstrated that technology and OnePlus belongs to the same parent company. OnePlus has not yet fully unveiled the Concept One device. That will happen during the CES fair next week.