Xiaomi debuted its new operating system (OS) dubbed HyperOS with the launch of its flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 series in China in October 2023. It replaced the existing MIUI that was powering its smartphones for long. Now, it is speculated that the Chinese tech firm is developing HyperOS 2.0 – its next-generation OS based on the Android platform. One of the reported features of the alleged update could be hidden camera detection capabilities, which could solve a crucial privacy issue faced by frequent travelers.
Xiaomi HyperOS Update
According to a report According to media outlet XiaomiTime, the HyperOS 2.0 update may support hidden camera detection via wireless local area network (WLAN) searches. Using WLAN signals, Xiaomi devices will reportedly be able to search for and identify cameras that may be hidden nearby.
Hidden camera detection feature in HyperOS
Photo Credit: XiaomiTime
According to the screenshot shared by the publication, the feature could be called “Camera Scan”. The user interface (UI) reportedly reads, “Detect hidden cameras to protect your privacy and personal safety”. It can allow users to scan for potentially hidden cameras nearby with a single tap.
The feature is speculated to address privacy concerns faced by avid travelers in unfamiliar environments by alerting them to potential surveillance threats they are unaware of. It appears to be a Python-based program called Ingram. Available on GitHub, it supposedly scans IP addresses to detect webcam vulnerabilities.
The “Camera scan” feature is expected to roll out for Xiaomi devices in October this year alongside the HyperOS 2.0 update, a year after the rollout of HyperOS 1.0. Like last year’s update, this one is expected to bring improvements to the device’s performance and interconnectivity, besides bringing more customization options.
Notably, Xiaomi introduced its Android 14-based HyperOS in India with the launch of the Poco X6 Pro (review) in January. Other devices such as Poco F4, Poco M4 Pro, Poco C65, Poco M6 and Poco X6 Neo are also confirmed to receive the update.
