The trend with cameras inside the screen started in the end of 2018 and looks certain to gain speed throughout 2019. Instead of hiding the selfie camera like some companies, Oppo has decided to go in a completely different direction - the company has just patented the technology to put icons over the cutout. The tiny hole will be part of the icon interface, according to the filling at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO).

Looking at the visualizations, the selfie shooter can be either in the upper left corner, or slightly towards the center. In both cases Oppo is planning to put the camera app over it, so it can integrate the cutout in the icon design. When you scroll the home screen sideways, the camera app will stay there, so the magic will not be ruined by some other apps. Interestingly enough, the other icons will appear after and extra swipe on the top of the screen.

You will also be able to turn the whole feature off. A second listing reveals the camera icon overlaying the punch-hole can be swiped to the right and then the camera app will be turned off. This sounds intriguing and we hope to see a demo of it at some point this year. For now, the only sure thing is the 10x camera zoom announcement for the global audience that already took place in China.

Via