RED Hydrogen One is a super expensive holographic smartphone

It is tough to get excited about a new smartphone these days, but RED's new Hydrogen One might just pique your interest. What makes it so special? It features a novel display that uses nanotechnology to deliver a holographic experience.

In RED's own words, the Hydrogen One's "retina-riveting display features nanotechnology that seamlessly switches between traditional 2D content, holographic multi-view content, 3D content, and interactive games." That headline feature is so important that RED hasn't actually bothered to say much about what other specs the Hydrogen One has. Oh, and, no glasses are needed.

That is saying something, because RED is best known for making some really crazy cameras that cost an arm and a leg and deliver outstanding video quality. You do see a slight camera hump on the back, but no information as to what sort of specs it has, which is highly unusual.

And it is not like this smartphone is cheap. No. The Hydrogen One starts at $1,195, which gets you the aluminum model with a USB Type-C cable and adapter in the box. RED says that it'll also throw in a "special small token" if you order one early. Oh, and if you want, there is also a $1,595 titanium version.

That price may seem steep, but, believe it or not, RED will not even guarantee for when it's released. What the company is sure about is that it "will NOT be able to fill all order on time due to display production limitations." I bet you did not expect to hear that either. Oh, and if you want one, you'll have to wait until at least Q1 2018. Talk about a commitment.

There are some other interesting things about it, like the fact that it will be unlocked, running Android. RED also says that it'll be able to handle RED Hydrogen 4-View content, stereo 3D content and 2D/3D VR, AR and MR content. That Hydrogen 4-View content that RED mentions includes movies, games, and other things that will, presumably, be available by the time Hydrogen One hits store shelves.

This is the most unusual product announcement that I have seen in years, no doubt about it.