Samsung is reportedly working to improve its iris scanning technology for next year’s Galaxy S9 smartphone, and to bring it to phones lower down the price spectrum, according to a new report.
The news complements reports from late November speculating that Samsung is aiming to improve both its iris and facial recognition technology for the Galaxy S9, and this time arrives with a couple more specifics. Citing an anonymous source, The Korea Herald reports that the Galaxy S9 will use a three megapixel lens for iris scanning, seemingly a significant improvement over the 2MP lens used in the Galaxy S8’s iris scanner. The source asserts that the improved technology will enable the Galaxy S9 to more effectively scan users when they’re wearing glasses or in extreme lighting conditions.
The report also suggests that Samsung is aiming to bring iris recognition technology into budget smartphones to be released in late 2018 or possible early 2019.
If the report is true, the efforts are likely a response to Apple’s championing of 3D facial recognition on its new iPhone X. Samsung’s arch-rival has indicated that it aims to establish its Face ID system as the gold standard for biometric authentication on smartphones, and Samsung is likely eager to compete in this area after having invested heavily in its pioneering iris recognition technology.
As for the Galaxy S9, other recent speculation has pointed to a potential launch at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Sources: The Korea Herald, TechRadar, Android Headlines
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