O2 UK Launch Smartphone Skin Case to Visualise Sun’s Harmful UV Rays UPDATE

Customers of mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) might like to know that they’ve today launched a “first-of-its-kind phone case“, which has been designed to “visually indicate the sun’s harmful UV rays and remind holidaymakers to stay safe“. The case reflects a collaborated with Researcher and Creative Technologist, Marc Teyssier.

Backed by The British Skin Foundation, the ‘Skincase’ is said to have been “skilfully crafted” by Teyssier using “synthetic skin“, enabling it to “dramatically change colour” and ‘burn’ when exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) rays, “mirroring the damaging effects of the sun on human skin“.

The case blends “advanced fabrication with meticulous handcrafting, combining 3D printing with flexible filament and silicone casting with manual sculpting techniques from the special effects industry“, said O2. The “skin-like surface” is pigmented with specialised composites that react to UV light. This is said to create a “lifelike simulation of sun exposure“, making the invisible effects of UV radiation both tangible and visually striking.

Naturally, O2 is also using this as a way to promote their position as the “only major provider” to offer inclusive EU roaming to all customers as standard (up to 25GB for data usage), although it also happens to be quite a clever product idea.

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at VMO2, said:

“Holidays should be about creating unmissable moments, bringing home souvenirs and making memories – not about roaming bills and sunburn. With mobiles being such an essential part of everyday life, especially on holiday according to our new research, we’ve created the Skincase to demonstrate in real time just how severe the effects of sunburn can be while also promoting sun safety among holidaymakers.

O2 is committed to supporting its customers’ well-being, both physically and financially, and with our inclusive EU roaming perk, our customers can travel in Europe freely, without fear of getting burnt by unwanted roaming fees.”

On the other hand, we’re not entirely sure how many people would want the case itself to look like human skin, which seems to be going a little too deeply in the direction of a David Cronenberg film. But then again, the announcement doesn’t actually say how much the case might cost to buy or even where you can buy it. Not to mention the issue of device compatibility. Instead, O2 seems to be running a Price Draw for the Skincase, which is a bit disappointing.

Finally, we should add that – contrary to what VMO2 may suggest above – the idea of a phone case that can adopt UV-induced colour changing has in fact been done before (albeit without the ‘skin-like’ surface). For example, a company in Taiwan called UNIU did one for the iPhone 15 series (EÜV Pro Color Changing Case), which costs around £20.

UPDATE 12:27pm

VMO2 has informed ISPreview that, at present, they only have a small number of samples (the idea is still a “prototype” intended to help promote safety in the sun). “If there is significant demand for the Skincase from consumers then we’ll look to make a larger number available in the future,” said a Spokesperson for the operator.