CMF Phone 1's Hidden 'X-Ray' Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns
The recently launched CMF Phone 1, an affordable Android device from Nothing's sub-brand, has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy. A viral video revealed that the phone's depth sensor could be used to see through certain objects, raising privacy concerns and prompting a swift response from the company.
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| The CMF Phone 1 priced at €199 is put side-by-side with the Samsung Galaxy A35, illustrating its competitive nature in the budget smartphone market |
The Accidental X-Ray
A tech-savvy user discovered that by accessing the CMF Phone 1's depth sensor output through a third-party app in developer mode, they could view the internal structure of thin or semi-transparent objects. The video demonstrated this capability by showing the batteries inside a TV remote, despite the cover being intact.
Akis Evangelidis, co-founder of Nothing, explained on social media that this unintended feature is due to the depth sensor lacking an infrared light filter. While some users found this capability intriguing for a $200 phone, others expressed concerns about potential privacy implications.
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| The competitive landscape of budget smartphones is showcased, highlighting alternatives to the CMF Phone 1 amidst concerns over its unexpected X-ray feature |
Swift Action and Upcoming Fix
In response to the discovery, Evangelidis announced that the company would restrict third-party apps from accessing the depth sensor's output. This software update is expected to roll out within a week, addressing potential privacy issues before they can become more widespread.
When questioned about the decision to restrict access, Evangelidis hinted at external pressures, stating, Some people are trying to come at us from every angle my man. They aren't comfortable with our success. Therefore, we've to play it safe.
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| Accessories for the CMF Phone 1 reflect its modular design, drawing attention to the innovation and assembly related to the phone, even amidst the depth sensor concerns |
Repairability Concerns
While the CMF Phone 1 has garnered praise for its modular design, a recent teardown video by PBKreviews suggests that the device may not be as easy to repair as initially thought. The phone received a 6.5/10 repairability score, with several factors complicating the repair process:
- Tamper-evident stickers that void the warranty when removed
- A hidden screw beneath the Accessory Point that makes battery removal more challenging
- Plastic covers over the motherboard and speaker assembly that are difficult to remove
Looking Ahead
As CMF by Nothing addresses the unexpected depth sensor capability, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex balance between innovation, affordability, and privacy in the smartphone industry. While the CMF Phone 1 continues to attract attention for its unique features and design, this early hiccup highlights the importance of thorough testing and consideration of potential privacy implications in emerging technologies.
Update: Thursday July 25 17:27
The CMF Phone 1 offers a unique design with visible screws and interchangeable backplates, available in blue and orange faux leather or mint and black smooth finishes. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage, providing solid performance for its price point. The device includes a 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED display and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. However, it has some limitations, such as a single bottom-firing speaker, basic IP52 splash resistance, lack of NFC, and only 2-3 years of promised software support. The 50MP main camera produces decent photos, but the device lacks an ultra-wide lens. At $200, the CMF Phone 1 faces stiff competition from other budget smartphones that may offer more well-rounded feature sets.
