Genesis will be debuting a new facial authentication feature in its upcoming GV60 car. Face Connect will be realized with a near-infrared camera located in the B-pillar of the vehicle, and will allow drivers to unlock and enter the vehicle without the need for a physical fob or key.
Owners will be able to tap their fingers on the door handle on the driver’s side of the vehicle to initiate a scan. The camera will display a green ring if it recognizes that individual, and the car will automatically adjust the seats, steering wheel, mirrors, and infotainment system to meet that driver’s preferred settings. The system can store up to two faces at any one time, and those faces can be deleted if the owner wants to register a different driver.
All faces are encrypted and stored locally on the car’s computer. The infrared camera can recognize drivers in low light and adverse weather conditions, but cannot yet identify people who are wearing masks. It can, however, work through sunglasses and hats.
The GV60 will also use a Fingerprint Authentication System to provide owners with an additional biometric authentication factor. The sensor will be situated in the center console, and will allow owners to start the vehicle after completing a successful scan. In that regard, the feature will expand on Genesis’ prior GV70, which has a fingerprint sensor but does not support biometric ignition. The sensor is instead used to enable features like in-car payments.
Those non-ignition utilities will still be suppored in the upcoming GV60. The electric crossover is expected to roll off the line sometime before the end of 2022.
Genesis has previously teased that fingerprint ignition will be offered in the 2022 edition of the GV70. It also hinted at a face unlock feature with the Essentia Concept in 2018. Face Connect will officially launch with the GV60, but will make its way to other vehicles over time.
The GV60 will provide over-the-air software updates for a wider range of in-car systems. Fingerprint sensors have already appeared in the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is noteworthy because Hyundai is Genesis’ parent company. Meanwhile, Toyota recently revealed that it will be unveiling its own fingerprint ignition system with its 2022 Land Cruiser.
Sources: Autoweek, CNET Road Show
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