Xiaomi is using INNER BEAUTY, an Elliptic Labs ultrasound sensing proximity detection ‘technology in its new phone “MIX,” replaceing the phone’s hardware proximity sensor with ultrasound software.
This also allows the speaker to be completely invisible, extending the functional area of the screen all the way to the top edge of the phone.
“We are thrilled to have our ultrasound proximity software featured in the new smartphone from world leader Xiaomi. Elliptic Labs is the only ultrasound proximity feature vendor designed into a tier-1 mobile handset,” said Laila Danielsen, CEO of Elliptic Labs.
Until now, all smartphones required an optical infrared hardware proximity sensor to turn off the screen and disable the touch functionality when users held the device up to their ear. Without the proximity sensor, a user’s ear or cheek could accidentally trigger actions during a call, such as hanging up the call or dialing numbers while the call is ongoing.
INNER BEAUTY ultrasound proximity software hides the speaker behind the phone’s glass screen, eliminates the unsightly holes on a phone’s screen and eliminates common issues with hardware proximity sensors, such as their unreliability in certain weather conditions or in response to various skin colors as well as dark hair.
The value INNER BEAUTY brings to mobile OEMs includes not only more screen real estate but also reduced cost with the removal of the hardware sensor.
Xiaomi‘s new MIX phone will be sold primarily in Asia. Xiaomi sold more than 70 million phones in 2015 and its new Model MIX with its ultra- thin bezel will appeal to users who want more screen space for watching videos or gaming on their phone, and without unsightly proximity sensor holes.
