ZTE Releases Specs for Crowdfunded Android Smartphone With Eye Tracking

ZTE announced specs for its upcoming crowdfunded Hawkeye smartphone, saying in a Tuesday news release it’s “challenging the way devices are developed” by letting consumers decide throughout the design process what the end product will be. Planned next-generation functions for the phone include an adhesive case that allows users to affix the phone to a wall for hands-free operation and eye-tracking for scrolling through Web pages. Consumers chose the phone’s name and will choose final color and material, said ZTE USA CEO Lixin Cheng. Specs for Hawkeye include the Android N operating system, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 625 processor, a 3000 mAH battery, dual rear 12- and 13-megapixel cameras, near-field communications, a fingerprint sensor and hi-fi audio. A $199 limited-time pledge on Kickstarter gets consumers the phone and an adhesive case, with availability slated for September, assuming the goal is met. A disclaimer called the project “all or nothing.” The 5.5-inch phone had 159 backers Tuesday, and had reached $30,472 toward a goal of $500,000 with 32 days to go. The Hawkeye project will be funded only if it reaches its goal by Feb. 18, said ZTE.