The gist of it: there’s something to be said for software technology that adds value to displays, and takes advantage of all the buzzwords that drive eyeballs. Someone wanting to sell displays to smartphone makers would do well to have a toolbox full of software tools that deliver this kind of value. More importantly, proximity sensing is a check-off item for displays, and if it isn’t, it should be. Let the display reduce the device cost and enable sleeker designs. Chinese smartphone vendors seem to have picked up Elliptical Labs’ work. I believe the company may offer greater opportunities.
Elliptic Labs, a Norwegian AI software company specializing in AI virtual smart sensors, has announced the launch of its AI virtual proximity sensor, Inner Beauty, in partnership with vivo. The new Vivo Y78+ smartphone, a mid-end high-volume model designed for the Chinese market, will feature Elliptic Labs’ Inner Beauty technology. Qualcomm, Elliptic Labs’ partner, powers the Vivo Y78+ with its Snapdragon 695 chipset.
The AI Virtual Proximity Sensor, Inner Beauty, detects when a user holds their phone up to their ear during a call. This allows the smartphone to turn off its display and disable the screen’s touch functionality, preventing the user’s ear or cheek from accidentally triggering unwanted actions, such as hanging up or dialing numbers. Turning off the screen also helps conserve battery life.
Proximity detection is a core capability used in all smartphones. However, Elliptic Labs’ AI virtual proximity sensor offers a unique software-only solution that delivers robust proximity detection without the need for a dedicated hardware sensor. By replacing hardware sensors with software sensors, the AI virtual proximity sensor reduces device cost and eliminates sourcing risk.
About Elliptical Labs
Elliptic Labs was founded in 2006. The company’s origins can be traced back to the research conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway. The company’s initial focus was on developing gesture recognition technology for consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Over time, Elliptic Labs expanded its product portfolio to include AI virtual proximity sensors and other innovative solutions. Their patented technology has been adopted by several major smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, OnePlus, and now Vivo. This not only reduces device costs and eliminates sourcing risks but also enables manufacturers to design sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing products.
