Key to its success is Xiaomi’s LaserLink know-how. This can be a proprietary optical communication module, obvious as a small dot on the again of the cellphone and the lens the place knowledge is transferred as gentle (near-infrared laser) at speeds of as much as 10 Gbps. It is quick sufficient to work in live performance with Xiaomi’s AI and computational pictures on the cellphone in a means that conventional exterior lenses can’t.
The lens has two pins that join on the again to attract energy from the cellphone, and Xiaomi says the facility draw of the lens is akin to a built-in digital camera system. It’s moveable sufficient to slide in a bag or pocket and the straightforward plug-and-play nature makes it straightforward to make use of. This method might enable for a complete vary of specialist lenses for photographers, although you will have to recollect to take them with you, which negates one of many huge benefits of normal cellphone cameras.
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
Contemplating the LaserLink know-how and energy switch, it looks like this technique might enable for a complete vary of different magnetic equipment past pictures. I’m interested by chargers, energy banks, and cellular sport controllers (the low latency is ideal for gaming). It might additionally someday allow you to attach seamlessly to different gadgets in Xiaomi’s broader ecosystem, which incorporates audio system, all types of sensible dwelling devices, and even automobiles. There is no Qi2 assist within the Xiaomi 15 vary, however this new proprietary system could possibly be why it was handed over.
Earlier than you get too excited, that is nonetheless only a idea with no agency launch schedule or pricing. We have seen modular telephones fail and disappoint earlier than, together with efforts from Google, LG, Motorola, and most not too long ago HMD. However Xiaomi’s prototype was surprisingly polished, and the potential of a system like that is apparent. Extra balanced designs with out enormous digital camera modules, however the choice to rival a devoted digital camera after I have to? Signal me up.