ZTE is crowdsourcing its next mobile device from start to finish

We’ve all been there: We get a device, we like it, but then wish we could change just one or two details about it to make it perfect.

ZTE wants to help you out by crowdsourcing its next mobile device throughout every step of the development process.

It’s called Project CSX. Here’s ZTE’s own description:

Project CSX is a new method for developing products that engages directly with consumers at every step of the development process, from conception to what is finally delivered to consumers. The project will be broken into two key development stages where users can submit and vote for their favorite ideas.

Submissions are held to three rules: it must be a mobile product, the technology must be realistically possible by 2017, and the final product must be affordable for the general population.

Note that I said ‘mobile device’ earlier, and not ‘phone.’ While in theory, the project could lead to a fancy new Android phone, ZTE seems just as open to completely new ideas:

“Sometimes the best ideas come from people outside of a company who have a fresh take we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. ZTE is an end-to- end telecommunications company and has the resources to develop all types of devices, not just smartphones. Maybe there are other ways we could be connecting that we have never imagined. We are excited to find out.”

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A ear sounds a little short for creating what could be a completely new device category, but most of the process will still be up to ZTE, with users nudging the company in the right direction. Besides, ZTE been on a roll lately, delivering great hardware at low prices with the Axon 7 and Zmax Pro.

Anything’s fair game, so if you’re interested in contributing, you can head on over to ZTE’s Z-Community forum to submit your ideas.