Red's $1200 Hydrogen One smartphone detailed in new video showing trio of prototypes

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Red's $1200 Hydrogen One smartphone with 3D display is more than vapor, with three prototypes being demonstrated -- with one having a fully functional display.




A video of the Hydrogen One smartphone prototype was shared by Marques Brownlee (MKBHD). Brownlee was shown a "fit and finish" prototype, a second with a functional display, and a third simulation expansion capabilities of the phone.

The phone is about the same size as an iPhone 7 Plus in a ruggedized case. The phone uses full USB-C for connectivity, and a pair of speakers top and bottom provide a modicum of stereo seperation.

An array of contact pins and screw-holes on the back of the phone are used for snap-on modules to expand the functionality of the phone.

Brownlee noted that that the presentation of the screen wasn't perfect, and the unit was obscured in post-production. The prototype reportedly still needed work, with light bleeding and stuttering issues -- in admittedly early hardware.

The third prototype was an example of the modularity of the phone, with a better sensor and lens-mount installed for better photography. It was also a fit-and-finish prototype, and not actually functional.

Red claims to have an additional prototype with an actual usable device integrated with the "holographic" display on the device coming in the next 30 to 45 days.





Announced in early July, the Hydrogen One smartphone is powered by Android, and allows users to view all traditional 2D content at full resolution, holograpic content generated by a new Red camera, stereo 3D content, and augmented reality in 2D and 3D. Coupled with the display, a new "H3O algorithm" converts stereo sound into "expansive multi-dimensional audio" to match the 3D content.

The company claims that the Hydrogen System incorporates a new high-speed data bus for a modular component system, to include future, unannounced attachments. Additionally, the Hydrogen One will integrate into the Red camera program and will work with Scarlet, Epic, and Weapon systems as a user interface and camera monitor.

Connectivity is provided by some form of cellular wireless, wi-fi, USB-C, and a Micro SD slot for storage expansion. Other accessories will be available as an additional purchase at launch. The company notes that expansion modules will not be available at launch.

Pre-order pricing is $1195 for the aluminum version, and $1595 for the titanium version, with first orders shipping in the first quarter of 2018.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 24
    What's a 3D display?  Presumably we're not talking about funny glasses.
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  • Reply 2 of 24
    I ordered the Titanium model... Not ditching my iPhone though.
    Red has made me a bunch of $$$ over the years, I trust Jannard to make it worth it.

    Wouldn't it be cool though if Red could be an exclusive iOS licensee? Ya, dreaming.
    Solilolliver
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 24
    calicali Posts: 3,494member
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....
    ronndysamorialolliverredgeminipawatto_cobra
     5Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 24
    SpamSandwichspamsandwich Posts: 33,407member
    What's a 3D display?  Presumably we're not talking about funny glasses.
    Jim Jannard previously said it's not a lenticular display, so I really wonder what they are doing. Marques Brownlee seemed a bit stunned to see it.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 24
    StrangeDaysstrangedays Posts: 13,169member
    I’d imagine one of the biggest challenges and risks of a device and system like this is future proofing the pin module attachments. 
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 24
    coolfactorcoolfactor Posts: 2,372member
    cali said:
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....

    Yah, that was my thought. But they also realize that most people don't care about the OS.... that Android is "good enough".
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 24
    SpamSandwichspamsandwich Posts: 33,407member
    cali said:
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....

    Yah, that was my thought. But they also realize that most people don't care about the OS.... that Android is "good enough".
    It really seems to be more of a camera plus a phone, rather than a phone plus a camera.
    watto_cobraavon b7
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  • Reply 8 of 24
    I won't be using mine as a phone.
    SpamSandwichlolliver
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 24
    SpamSandwichspamsandwich Posts: 33,407member
    I won't be using mine as a phone.
    And why would you? ;)
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 24
    evilutionevilution Posts: 1,399member
    cali said:
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....
    The problem is, what's the alternative? Apple will never licence iOS.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 11 of 24
    cali said:
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....
    What's the alternative? Which OS should Red be using?
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 24
    robin huberrobin huber Posts: 4,061member
    Why is Apple giving exclusive shelf space to Red's video cam if they are competitors now?
    edited August 2017
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  • Reply 13 of 24
    SpamSandwichspamsandwich Posts: 33,407member
    Why is Apple giving exclusive shelf space to Red's video cam if they are competitors now?
    Because this RED proudct is much more of a camera, plus Apple is selling the entire kit, not just the camera/phone.
    lolliver
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 24
    cali said:
    "Powered by android"

    when are these idiots gonna learn?.....
    "Expansive multi-dimensional audio"

    Gets them every time. Run, don't walk to your web browser to order one. Supplies are limited. Order in the next ten minutes, and we'll throw in the free magic chamois.
    dysamorialolliverwatto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 24

    Why is Apple giving exclusive shelf space to Red's video cam if they are competitors now?
    Like any retailer, Apple thinks they can move the merchandise, and its margins are enough to make it worthwhile for them to carry an inventory. There may be other strategic reasons, like added foot traffic from video Pros, bundling options with Mac Pros, etc.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 16 of 24
    dysamoriadysamoria Posts: 3,430member
    Still no info on this BS "holographic" display...
    StrangeDayswatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 24
    SpamSandwichspamsandwich Posts: 33,407member
    dysamoria said:
    Still no info on this BS "holographic" display...
    Because as the video from Marques Brownlee demonstrated, it's a prototype that's still being developed.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 18 of 24
    radarthekatradarthekat Posts: 3,938moderator
    Apple bought Beats to serve a specific market that was dominated by that company.  Buy these guys too.  Slap iOS into those phones and leave the branding and management in place.  The cameras are the reason to own the company.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 19 of 24
    StrangeDaysstrangedays Posts: 13,169member
    Apple bought Beats to serve a specific market that was dominated by that company.  Buy these guys too.  Slap iOS into those phones and leave the branding and management in place.  The cameras are the reason to own the company.
    Why would Apple want to put iOS into non iphone branded phones with non apple hardware? Nope. 

    Why does Apple want a studio camera company? How big is the market reach?
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 20 of 24
    pscooter63pscooter63 Posts: 1,082member
    That's 44 pins on the back, there... wonder what they need that many contacts for.  And how would a protective case for this be designed?

    Don't get me wrong, it's not a slam.  Genuinely curious.
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