Elliptic Labs, a company that makes smart AI sensors, has announced that Oppo will deploy one of its AI virtual proximity sensors called Inner Beauty in future smartphone releases. What makes Inner Beauty unique is that Oppo can dispense with a hardware proximity sensor, which helps it reduce costs and sourcing risks.

Another benefit of choosing Inner Beauty is that Oppo won’t have to include unsightly black holes or thick bezels in its future phones, making them more competitive. What’s interesting is that Elliptic Labs says its software can match and even outperform hardware solutions.

Referring to the deal between the two companies, Elliptic Labs CEO Lila Danielsen said:

“Elliptic Labs is excited to announce this expansion contract with Oppo to use its AI Virtual Smart Sensor™ platform in additional devices. This contract demonstrates that we continue to grow with the largest smartphone manufacturers while executing our plan to expand our smartphone business. Elliptic Labs Value Powered by our expertise in AI, ultrasound and sensor fusion, enabling our customers to build greener, smarter and more human-friendly products.”

By removing the need for a hardware proximity sensor from its phones, Oppo could reduce its costs and simplify the design of its phones and possibly their repairability. As mentioned earlier, Oppo could also reclaim space for its touchscreens by reducing the amount of room the bezels take up.

The announcement from Elliptic Labs did not specify whether this software proximity sensor will come to all Oppo devices or just a certain segment of devices. It will be interesting to hear more over the next year when Oppo starts to reveal new phones that can use Inner Beauty.

Let us know in the comments if the inclusion of proximity sensors to the software and smaller bezels could make you switch to an Oppo phone.

source: Elliptic Labs (BusinessWire)