Central to Xiaomi’s achievement is its innovative LaserLink technology. This exclusive optical communication module is identifiable by a small dot located on the back of the smartphone and the lens that enables data transfer via light (near-infrared laser) at speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps. This speed is sufficient to integrate seamlessly with Xiaomi’s AI and computational photography features, providing capabilities that traditional external lenses cannot match.
The lens includes two pins that connect to the back of the phone, drawing power from it. According to Xiaomi, the power consumption of the lens is similar to that of an integrated camera system. It is compact enough to fit into a bag or pocket, and its straightforward plug-and-play functionality ensures ease of use. This advancement could pave the way for a variety of specialized lenses for photographers; however, one must remember to carry them, which diminishes one of the significant benefits of standard phone cameras.
Photograph: Simon Hill
