Google Pixel’s ‘Project Toscana’ May Rival iPhone Face ID
▼ Summary
– Google is developing “Project Toscana,” a hardware upgrade for face unlock on Pixel phones and Chromebooks, aiming for performance comparable to iPhone’s Face ID.
– The project reportedly uses a single hole-punch camera, works quickly in various lighting conditions, and may utilize infrared technology.
– This follows Google’s history with face unlock, including the hardware-heavy Pixel 4 and recent software-based implementations on Pixel 7 and 8 series.
– A key goal is to create a system that functions in any lighting condition without requiring extra visible hardware on the device.
– The upgrade addresses a current limitation, as existing Pixel face unlock is fast but only works reliably in ideal lighting.
Biometric security has become a fundamental feature for modern smartphones, with Google’s Pixel line standing out for its effective integration of both fingerprint and facial recognition systems. The company now appears poised to push this technology forward significantly. Newly uncovered details point to an initiative known as “Project Toscana,” which reportedly involves developing advanced face unlock hardware for future Pixel phones and Chromebooks. Early indications suggest this system could deliver performance on par with Apple’s renowned Face ID technology, marking a potential leap for Android authentication.
Google’s interest in sophisticated facial recognition is not new. The Pixel 4 series made a bold attempt, incorporating a dedicated array of infrared sensors to create a secure 3D face mapping system designed to rival the iPhone. However, that hardware-focused approach was short-lived, abandoned in later models. The global shift to mask-wearing during the pandemic undoubtedly impacted the utility of such systems at that time. In recent years, Google has cautiously reintroduced facial unlock, first with a camera-based version on the Pixel 7 that lacked support for secure apps like banking, and then with a more functional software-based iteration on the Pixel 8.
The latest reports indicate a return to dedicated hardware. According to sources, Project Toscana is an internal effort to build a next-generation facial authentication system. It is said to utilize a single hole-punch camera cutout on the phone’s display, avoiding the need for a prominent sensor array. Crucially, initial testing reportedly shows it operates just as quickly as Face ID across a wide range of lighting environments, a notable advancement over current Pixel capabilities. The technology is believed to employ infrared imaging to function reliably in the dark, all while maintaining a clean, minimalist design without extra visible hardware.
This development aligns with earlier speculation about the Pixel 11 series, which hinted at an under-display infrared camera system powered by a future Tensor G6 chip. While many technical details remain unclear, the prospect of a secure, hardware-backed face unlock that works seamlessly in any lighting condition is a compelling one. For users, the key improvement isn’t necessarily speed, current Pixel face unlock is already fast, but rather consistent reliability in low light or challenging environments, where today’s implementation often fails. If successful, Project Toscana could finally give Android users a truly robust and convenient alternative to the fingerprint sensor.
(Source: 9to5Google)
