Rumors about tech giants Apple and Samsung adopting dual-lens camera modules for its next-generation smartphones are gaining steam, as there have been reports that both companies have increased demands of not just camera modules but also relevant parts and components such as actuators, lenses, filters and other semiconductors.
The market on component parts is now expected to expand more since—aside from Samsung and Apple—some Chinese smartphone companies may also be securing their own share of dual-camera technology.
Samsung Electronics has successfully released its Exynos 7420 processor needed for the processing of dual-image signal.
Apple is not far behind as it has been seen investing in camera technology after the company recently purchased Israeli firm LinX Computational Imaging for $20 million. LinX specializes in sensor arrays and multi-aperture imaging combination technology required to increase performances of dual-cameras. LinX technology permits applications to easily use the 3D pictures captured by its camera, such as the capability to refocus a still photo after it has been taken, real-time background change for video calls, accurate measuring of the objects' dimensions, and 3D object modeling.
Meanwhile, original design manufacturer (ODM) Altek has recently developed its dual-lens solution for smartphone cameras and claimed its products stand a good chance of being purchased by high-end smartphone manufacturers like Apple for their next-generation products in 2016 or 2017.
Altek changed its focus from manufacturing compact camera products into image-related accessories and integrated image-processing parts for mobile terminal devices in 2013, and has been shipping more than 200,000 mini-cameras in 2014. The company expects to ship more than 2 million units in 2015.
Dual-camera smartphones are not new products as Huawei and HTC have offered them already.
HTC has tried the technology with the HTC One M8. While there had been camera issues with the product, it did make an impression, allowing users to adjust the focus of shots. It should also be noted that the HTC One M8 has only one true camera sensor.
If Samsung and Apple succeed in incorporating two proper sensors into a smartphone, then the photography technology of smartphones will take another great leap. With two camera sensors, it could gather two times the light needed and produce accurate and high-quality images. One sensor could shoot the subject while the other focuses on the object's background.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr
