A new report has revealed that upcoming flagship smartphones from China based vendors will re-adopt ToF camera sensors (Time of Flight). The news arrives as even Apple gears up to include new ToF based LiDAR sensors on its 2021 iPhone Pro lineup.

According to a DigiTimes report, industry sources close to the matter have revealed that Chinese brands are raising orders for components and lenses related to the ToF cameras. An example being Honor, which recently adopted ToF sensors on its flagship Honor 50 Pro series through Taiwan based supply chain. The suppliers include GaAs foundries Win Semiconductors, Advanced Wireless Semiconductor (AWSC), and others that will also supply Apple with 3D face ID sensors and ToF LiDAR scanners for iPhones.

Furthermore, the source added that certain Huawei P50 series smartphone models will also adopt ToF cameras as well. On the other hand, major smartphone maker, Samsung Electronics, might not be bringing back ToF cameras in its new premium grade flagship handsets and is unlikely to release a smartphone that features this camera this year.

Although, the source believes that the Taiwanese suppliers are expected to see robust orders in the second half of this year, partly due to strong sales of 5G PA devices and VSCEL chips for new iPhones and flagship smartphones from China based vendors.

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Just last week, Black Shark launched a new gaming smartphone called the Black Shark 2. It is its third gaming phone since it entered into the phone manufacturing business last year. Today, patent diagrams of what might be its next phone have surfaced online and they reveal some big changes coming to the Black Shark line.

The design patent was filed back in December 2018 by Xiaomi at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) before it was published last week.

All the Black Shark gaming phones released till date do not have a notch but the Black Shark 3 or whatever the next one is named might have one according to the diagrams. One of them has a waterdrop notch and there is another with a wider notch. Since there is a notch, the bezels have been shaved off.

The Black Shark gaming phones support external controllers that are attached to the sides of the phone, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your hands covering the screen while playing.

Another new feature the next phone may have is triple rear cameras. The third camera is said to be a ToF sensor for 3D object scanning, AR, and 3D photography. Since this is a gaming phone, we won’t be surprised if game developers release 3D objects that can be purchased and scanned to be used in their games.

For example, you can purchase a figurine for a new character or weapon and all you have to do is do a 3D scan with the camera which then adds the character or weapon to your profile. So you have a new character/weapon to use in the game and also a figurine which can be part of a collection.

There are also diagrams showing the phone with two cameras. So don’t be surprised if Xiaomi doesn’t add the ToF Sensor yet.

READ MORE: Xiaomi Black Shark 2 vs Vivo iQOO vs Nubia Red Magic Mars: Specs Comparison

The patent reveals the device is named “Sky”. We are not sure if that is a codename or maybe it is the marketing name. But seeing as the model that launched after the original Black Shark is called Helo, we won’t be surprised if the next model isn’t a Black Shark 3 but the Black Shark Sky.

(Source)

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A render of a device said to be the Huawei P30 Pro has surfaced online. The image shows only the rear of the device but gives us a look at the camera setup.

The Huawei P20 Pro launched with a triple camera system but it appears Huawei will be adding a fourth sensor to its successor. This fourth sensor is a ToF 3D sensor for scanning 3D objects to use on the phone. You will also be able to use it for real-time motion tracking and even skeletal adjustments when taking photos.

The arrangement of the main sensors hasn’t changed. Two of the cameras share a single housing while the third is separated and positioned directly beneath them. Under the third sensor is the LED flash. There is also the LEICA branding which confirms Huawei’s partnership with the German company will continue this year.

The ToF 3D camera sits a few millimeters to the right of the first two cameras. It is placed in a housing with similar length but is less thick. There is a black circle above the sensor and below it is the laser autofocus module.

READ MORE: Huawei applies for trademarks for “Mate Mini” and “Mate Smart”

The camera configuration of the phone is still unconfirmed but there are rumors that the main sensor is the new 38MP Sony IMX607. It has also been reported that it will feature a periscope camera module for better zoom. The rest of the rumored specs include an OLED dewdrop display and a Kirin 980 processor.

(Source, Via)

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