Andy Rubin shares a teaser image of his new smartphone

Andy Rubin has finally given us a look at his mysterious new smartphone.

The latest post on the Android creator's Twitter feed shows one of the device's corners featuring a transparent notification bar with time, battery, and network connection indicators. Part of the wallpaper (a close-up photo of flower petals, it seems) is also visible. Unfortunately, the rest of the device is covered up by a hand—likely Rubin's. It's the very definition of a teaser, but also proof that the device is more than just a rumor.

Rubin's new smartphone will be the flagship device for his company, Essential Products Inc. It is expected to be the first in a new line of high-end mobile and smart home products. Several of these products are already in a prototype stage, including an "Essential" smartphone. According to a Bloomberg report, this prototype smartphone features a screen larger than an iPhone 7's but lacking bezels. The prototype also features a pressure-sensitive display and an industrial design with metal edges and a ceramic back. It's unknown whether that prototype and the phone shown today are the same, but given that Essential has not provided details on any other phones, it's likely.

Rubin's teaser photo answers one of the questions surrounding his phone (does it really exist?), but there is still a lot we don't know, including specifications and even whether it's Android-based.  If earlier reports are true, the "Essential" phone should make its debut later this year, lifting the veil of mystery for good.

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