In August, ZTE launched Project CSX, a program that will allow the smartphone manufacturer to directly engage with customers in the development of the company's next device.
The project basically crowdsourced ideas among customers on what they want to see in ZTE's next product. Users submitted their ideas in a dedicated section on the company's website, with users also the ones voting on the ideas that will move forward in the competition.
Last month, ZTE unveiled the top three ideas of Project CSX. The company has added two more coming from the project's concept phase, and with these five ideas, has launched the final voting to decide which product it will work on next.
The five finalists for Project CSX, as posted on the official forum, are as follows:
Self-Adhesive Smartphone
As the name implies, the concept features a sticky rear for a smartphone that will allow users to attach it to a wall. That is not a simple gimmick though, as the concept also calls for the smartphone to contain a healthy amount of eye-tracking technology, which will allow users to go completely hands-free in using their device.
Intelligent Magnetic Covers
The second idea involves a series of intelligent magnetic covers that expand the capabilities of a smartphone. The four concepts mentioned are an e-ink front cover, a gamepad slide-out cover a stylus cover and an Android PC dock cover.
Interactive Diving Mask
This device is a waterproof mask that comes with a UHD display to bring divers into augmented reality. With the mask on, users will be able to swim in a pool but see sights as if they are swimming in the ocean.
Powerglove
The Powerglove is described as a wearable and programmable glove that will allow users to control Android apps through a variety of hand movements and gestures. It can be used for rehabilitation or to learn skills such playing the piano.
Axon R
The last idea will take the Axon 7, the latest flagship smartphone of the company, and replace its operating system with a stock version of Android. While certainly the simplest of the ideas, it will allow ZTE and the device to challenge similar smartphones such as Google's Pixel and Pixel XL.
Voting on which idea ZTE should work on for its next product is open to the public, and will end on Oct. 19. If any of these ideas catch your attention, it would be a good idea to send in your vote to help make the idea a reality.
According to the timeline posted on the official forum, after the voting is completed and the winner is determined, ZTE will begin working on the development of the idea, with the announcement of the device to come sometime next year.
