The camera of the low-cost smartphone model CMF Phone 1 was unexpectedly discovered to have a new feature.
After the CMF Phone 1 was launched last week, the camera of this low-cost smartphone was suddenly discovered to have a new feature.
The surprising feature is that the phone's camera's depth sensor can see through certain objects. This is an unexpected feature and cannot be accessed through the default camera app, requiring a third-party app. However, due to privacy concerns, Nothing has confirmed that it will disable this feature via a software update.
The feature was discovered by a social media account X named @madhavkant05. The account said that it has found a way to enable the hidden feature of CMF Phone 1 by using a third-party app in developer mode.
@madhavkant05's initial exploration showed a low-resolution black and white image. However, things took a surprising turn when the user pointed the camera at a TV remote control, revealing the remote's internal battery structure despite the casing not being touched.
@madhavkant05 then continued to experiment with other objects such as a black trash bag, a luggage divider, and a gray T-shirt. Using the CMF Phone 1's depth sensor, the user said he could see things placed behind it that were invisible to the naked eye.
Nothing was quick to offer an explanation after the post went viral. According to Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis, the depth sensor lacks an infrared light filter. This missing part allows infrared light to pass through in certain situations and reveals the internal layout of thin or semi-transparent objects, especially those made of black acrylic.
While this may be a cool feature for some, many have expressed concerns about privacy. In response, Evangelidis said, "We will be restricting third-party apps from accessing the depth sensor output via a software update that is expected to be released next week."
Nothing - a technology brand based in London, England, is about to launch the first smartphone model from its sub-brand CMF in the low-cost segment on July 8, according to The Verge.
The company has revealed a range of unique customization capabilities for the CMF Phone 1, including a rotating knob that can be used to attach accessories and a rear panel that can be easily swapped out.
The signature glowing backlight icon from the Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2 will not be present on this model. A short video shows a rotating knob on the back that looks similar to the aluminum alloy knob on the CMF Buds, which can be removed to attach a strap or a folding stand.
Does the dial on the CMF Phone 1 offer any additional functionality? No further details have been revealed, but the dial is reminiscent of the smart dial on the CMF Neckband Pro headphones, which is used for volume, playback, and active noise cancellation.
Rotary knob on CMF Neckband Pro headphones
Previously, Nothing's CMF account on social network X (Twitter) shared an image of the back of the CMF Phone 1, showing easily removable screws and a small screwdriver accessory with a design that matches the brand's aesthetics.
The CMF Phone 1 will come in three colors - Black/Gray, Blue, and CMF by Nothing's signature Orange. The leaked images strongly suggest that the device will have a removable back cover.