Xiaomi's Redmi Smartphones to Use AI Virtual Proximity Sensors

Xiaomi is embedding Inner Beauty AI virtual proximity sensors from Elliptic Labs in its upcoming Redmi Note series smartphones, said the Oslo, Norway-based sensor maker Thursday. Replacing hardware sensors with a software version has environmental and cost benefits, while eliminating supply chain risk, said the company. The virtual proximity sensor turns off the phone’s display and disables the screen’s touch functionality when users hold the device to their ears on a phone call, saving battery life and reducing the risk of an ear or cheek triggering unwanted actions during a call, such as hanging up or dialing numbers inadvertently, it said.