Transparent Smartphone is Possible in the Future

Transparent smartphone “may be possible by the end of 2013”.

The Taiwanese group Polytron has found another way to pique curiosity and get the attention of their target market, by introducing their most recent innovative product yet – the prototype of a transparent smartphone. Naturally, this prototype gives way to various questions such as “Will this gadget be a hit?” and “Would anyone really spend money on something like this?”

Transparent smartphone is possible in the future
This is the prototype of the most talked-about Transparent Smartphone

Basing on the picture posted above, you can definitely see some of the known components of a smartphone such as a memory card, a LED screen, a camera, a speaker and a microphone. But then, would you believe it if I told you that these components are actually functional? Yes, with the exclusion of an operating system, the other components are operational indeed. After all, the main point of the initial introduction was to display the early stages of hardware integration – and display the hardware integration, it did.

What is this transparent smartphone made of?

You might be interested to know that this future gadget is made out of Polyvision Privacy Glass, a product of Polytronix, Inc. from Texas. The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of this particular product is that just by turning a light on or off, you can easily see the change of the glass from a cloudy white state into a transparent state.

Additionally, according to the official product website:

Polyvision™ Glass, therefore, provides creative design applications for architects and other innovative and practical users.

 And obviously, this innovative usage of this product can be exhibited in the fact that it is now used to produce a transparent smartphone that can change the market’s perception on the subject of smartphones altogether. 

How will this transparent smartphone be able to light up, when power is applied?

This can be answered simply by going back to the official manufacturer’s statement:

When the power is off, the liquid crystal molecules are randomly oriented so that incident light is scattered, and the Polyvision™ film is opaque. When electricity is applied, the liquid crystal molecules line up, the incident light passes through, and the Polyvision™ film is clear.

In the end, it’s all about scientific theories, right?

As of right now, the company used two small batteries for the hardware integration demonstration.

Transparent smartphone prototype by polytron hands on video
Look at this transparent smartphone power up!

The General Manager of Polytron, Sam Yu, has been reported to tell various sources that he had no idea how much a transparent smartphone would cost, but that he believes his company’s technology would make transparent electronic products a reality in the future.

Additionally, Yu said:

All handset makers are looking to work with us. The technology is mature.

To get things going, another source reported that Polytron is aiming to have a fully working prototypes operational and functional like your usual smartphone in limited production by the end of 2013.

So, how about it? If the transparent smartphone does become available in the market, would you buy one? Or would you rather pass and go for an iPhone or an iPad instead?