Update: March 11th, 2022 (10:23AM E.A.T):
As earlier promised, I have searched for the new Hidden Camera Detection App on the Oppo Find X5 and Find X5Pro smartphones that I got my hands on a short while ago. Sadly, the app is not available for customers globally just yet as I could not find it on the Oppo App Market. As of now, this feature is still limited to the Chinese editions of the Find X5 smartphones.
Original Article: March 9th, 2022 (1:35AM E.A.T):
Oppo has introduced a rather interesting but useful new feature on its mobile operating system, Color OS. It’s a “hidden camera detection” ability that enables an Oppo smartphone to smoke out (spot) hidden cameras inside a room.
Looking into an earlier report by Android Authority, it points out that this program is, “aimed at travelers who might want to check for spy cameras in their hotel rooms.” The report further states the feature can be useful in finding cameras placed in changing rooms and other areas where a person’s privacy might be violated.
Stay with me as I now take you through Oppo’s latest invention.
Where do I find it?
As of now, this feature is only available for the Oppo Find X5 and Oppo Find X5 Pro. Second thing is you need either of those phones to have Color OS 12.1 (latest version of Color OS) installed for it to work. No need to worry about that since both devices come with the latest software already installed.
How does it work?
Users have to download the Hidden Camera Detection App from the Oppo App Market. Once the app is installed, it will ask them to turn off their phone’s Wi-Fi and mobile hotspot connections before scanning for any hidden cameras.
The app will then prompt users to switch off and on the lights in the room or environment he/she is in and possibly even close the curtains to block sunlight, probably to detect any infrared light which is what most cameras use to see in the dark (night vision).
NOTE: Some reports from several websites claim the app is only able to detect cameras connected to Wi-Fi although Kevton Tech is yet to independently verify that information.
If a secret camera is detected in the room, the app will instruct you to move around (search) until you find the hidden device. It will then help you narrow down the camera’s exact location by telling you if you’re getting closer or further away from it.
If you do indeed find a spy camera, it is up to you to choose what to do with it.
A good idea that needs more inclusivity
Now here’s a bummer, Oppo’s Hidden Camera Detection App is currently only available for release in mainland China for the time being.
It’s not known when the rest of the world will get to try out this new app. Oppo has however indicated that it plans to release this feature for other devices in the near future.
This app it appears is still in development as the Chinese tech company hasn’t made it official for use just yet.
The hidden camera detection app actually sounds like a cool add-on to me but sadly I don’t have any verified images yet of how it appears on a Find X5 smartphone to share with you.
If you value your privacy a lot which is very okay, then this new feature might go a long way in solving your problems.
Nobody wants to be spied on…ever, not even myself, most especially when you’re having your own alone time, so, yeah…there you have it.
Myself and the team here at Kevton Tech will be taking a close peek at the recently launched Find X5 and Find X5 Pro flagship smartphones currently on sale at Oppo stores across the globe and update this article if the app is indeed available on either or both devices.
