If Polytron Technologies has its way, you'll barely be able to see your next smartphone.
The Taiwan-based manufacturer has released a futuristic-looking prototype for what it hopes will be the world's first transparent smartphone.
The product, which remains in its early stages, is made from Polytron's Polyvision Privacy Glass. The glass is opaque when powered off, but it appearance transforms when electricity is applied. According to Polytron's website, "the liquid crystal molecules line up, the incident light passes through, and Polyvision looks clear."
Technically, the glass design isn't completely see-through -- the batteries and SIM card remain visible, as does the power switch up top.
The otherwise translucent concept design, with its dual-sided, multi-touch display, currently runs no operating system -- it's just hardware. Sam Yu, Polytron's general manager, told Macworld, however, that "All handset makers are looking to work with us. The technology is mature."
Polytron aims to achieve a fully functional transparent smartphone, in limited production, by the end of the year, Mobile Geeks reported. Watch the video, above, for more on its innovative design.
Would you use a transparent smartphone? Or would you find the practically invisible handset too easy to misplace?