A collaborative venture between Synaptics and Pilotfish, the Onyx concept mobile phone eliminates the need for conventional buttons completely through utilisation of optical transparent capacitive technologies.
And, whilst we have already previously featured phones that are complete touch screens, the benefit of this technology is that the phone will not only be able to recognise the points and taps decipherable by standard touch screens, but also complete series of complex gestures and even shapes.
For example, to close an application the user need merely define the shape of an “X” across the phone’s surface and the application will close - and that’s just touching the surface (excuse the pun) of this phones extended, interactive capabilities.
onyx detail
Much like the previously featured Blackbox phone concept, Onyx phone consists of a complete interactive display across the phone’s facing surface that adapts to whichever application is currently being used. But unlike the Blackbox, which relies on standard touchscreen technology, the technology behind the Onyx consists of a simple 0.05mm thick sensor that can incorporate curved surfaces (touchscreens are limited to flat surfaces) which allows for a far greater scope of design possibilities.
The use of gestures is also something that cannot be facilitated using standard touchscreens, which means that to send a message with the Onyx could be as simple as swiping the message off the screen, or that sending a kiss to someone could be achieved simply by placing the phone against your cheek (the phone’s shape and surface recognition sensors would do the rest).
Onyx Mobile Phone Concept Large
Of course, on a more practical level, this could also mean that answering a call could be achieved merely by placing the phone to your ear (though those with faltering co-ordination may inadvertently send a kiss at the same time, which is great if it’s your partner calling but not so great if it happens to be your boss on the other end).
