OnePlus 8T Concept phone shows off touchless notifications and colour shifting technology

• The OnePlus 8T Concept smartphone comes with a special metal oxide-infused glass film on the back, called ECMF design.
• When metal oxide is activated, the colour of the phone shifts between dark blue and light silver.
• Apart from this, a combination of ECMF design and 5G-based mmWave technology can be used for touchless notifications and breathing monitor.

After unveiling the first concept smartphone earlier in 2020, OnePlus is back with another concept ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show 2021. The OnePlus 8T Concept is based on the latest flagship smartphone from the company, building on the theme of the original concept phone.

The new OnePlus 8T Concept phone is the product of the brand-new OnePlus Gaudí design studio, comprising 39 designers from Shenzhen, Taipei, New York and India.

What’s new in the OnePlus 8T Concept phone?

The primary highlight of OnePlus’ new concept phone is its colour shifting technology. The phone has a metal oxide-infused glass film on the back that shifts colour between dark blue and light silver. The colour shift happens when metal oxide is activated.

OnePlus calls this ECMF – Electronic Colour, Material and Finish.

More than just the looks

In addition to giving the phone a different look, the ECMF design also has other real-world use cases.

OnePlus has combined ECMF design with mmWave technology to showcase an interesting feature – touchless notifications. The mmWave technology is borrowed from 5G.

OnePlus’ implementation allows the phone to perceive, image, locate and track objects. For example, when a call is received on this phone, ECMF can be used to flash a colour to notify the user. The user can then use a gesture to accept or reject the call – all without ever touching the device.

This, OnePlus says, is just the first step in what can be done using the combination of ECMF and mmWave.

Apart from this, the company also demonstrated a breathing monitor feature. This feature uses the mmWave technology to track the movement of your chest, and also calculate your breathing rate.

As was the case with the Concept One, the OnePlus 8T Concept is just that – a concept, at this point of time. It might not go on sale, but it is a window into the world of possibilities that can be achieved with some experimentation.

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