ZTE's Project CSX, launched in August 2016, made headlines last year as it looked to crowdsource ideas for the company's next mobile device.
The project brought in several interesting ideas, including a hand-worn Android controller named the Powerglove and a virtual reality-powered diving mask. The winner of Project CSX, however, was the eye-tracking, self-adhesive phone, a device that has now made its debut at CES 2017.
Meet The ZTE Hawkeye
Mock-ups of ZTE's crowdsourced smartphone, which has been given the name Hawkeye, has been unveiled at CES 2017.
The concept of the mobile device looks to minimize user interaction, as through the Hawkeye's eye-tracking technology, users will be able to issue commands and perform certain tasks through eye movements and without the need to touch the smartphone's screen. To do so, the Hawkeye will use a pair of laser-focusing cameras, one located at each of the device's top and bottom portion.
The eye-tracking technology combines with the self-adhesive back cover of the Hawkeye, which will allow users to stick the device onto a wall or any other flat surface. At a stable location and in a good position, the Hawkeye will be able to better understand the user's eye movements.
Looking at the device though, it does not really stand out as it was supposed to, given its history and special features. However, while it currently resembles how other smartphones look, there is still the possibility that ZTE will make further changes before the Hawkeye is released into the market.
Very little is known so far about the ZTE Hawkeye though, including its chipset, RAM, storage options and camera. It looks to have a rear fingerprint scanner, with ZTE also showing off several texture finishes and colors for the smartphone at CES 2017.
How To Preorder The ZTE Hawkeye
Despite the lack of information regarding the ZTE Hawkeye, there might be some customers who are interested in sending in a preorder of the device due to its unique features.
For those who would want to own the world's first crowdsourced smartphone, you should know that crowdsourcing apparently did not end with the selection of the concept as the winner of Project CSX. Instead of selling the Hawkeye through its online store, ZTE has launched a Kickstarter campaign, which looks to raise a goal of $500,000.
The Kickstarter page reveals more information regarding the Hawkeye, claiming that it will have a pair of unlocked SIM slots, a 5.5-inch full HD display, dual rear cameras, Hi-Fi audio, a large battery with quick charge technology, expandable memory, and will ship with Android 7.0 Nougat pre-installed.
No final price point has been released by ZTE for Hawkeye, but through the Kickstarter page, interested customers will be able to preorder the smartphone for the special price of $199. The price of the device will likely be higher than that once it launches into the market in September 2017, so for customers who are looking to grab the smartphone without knowing the rest of the technical specifications, you might want to send in your preorder through the Hawkeye's Kickstarter page.
Meanwhile, voting for the Hawkeye's body design and software will continue on the Project CSX page.
