‘Concept One’ Smartphone by OnePlus Unveiled at CES 2020

Chinese smartphone innovator OnePlus unveiled their first ever concept phone, the Concept One, at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. The phone features the first-ever use of color-shifting glass technology dubbed Electronic CMF, equipping the device with an “invisible camera” that can only be seen while active. The company says this marks a significant milestone in smartphone CMF (color, material, finish) and breaks new ground for future technologies. OnePlus collaborated with McLaren, a leading luxury car brand, on a bright orange finish.

Pete Lau, CEO and founder of OnePlus, elaborated on the design behind the Concept One, “This concept phone is a significant experiment into the future form of smartphones. OnePlus started this initiative with the goal of bringing the ‘burdenless’ user experience to the next level. The invisible camera stands as a new form of camera design, one that spares the user from the compromises of current camera layouts. The rear camera lenses are hidden by the dynamic electrochromic glass and only become visible when the camera is in use. This optimal solution is what OnePlus calls ‘Electronic CMF’— a new approach in industrial design.”

SEE ALSO: OnePlus to Debut First Concept Phone at CES as Part of 6th Anniversary Celebration

The new technology on the Concept One uses organic particles in the glass to alter the transparency of the colors, allowing the phone to shift between opaque black and clear in just 0.7 seconds. The glass also serves to sharpen the photography of the Concept One under strong light conditions. The Concept One design takes after McLaren’s 720S Spider sports car. This color transitioning technology is the latest example of the company’s “burdenless“ philosophy. Previously OnePlus pioneered a 90hz refresh rate to enhance their display’s user experience.

Lau said, “This is just the beginning as we explore additional possibilities in the future.” Recently OnePlus has started to diversify their business after the resounding success of their OnePlus 7 series in 2019, which enhanced the company’s profile worldwide.