'iPhone 8' to include game changing 3D facial recognition tech in FaceTime camera
In addition to being a complete redesign of the iconic handset, Apple's anticipated "iPhone 8" will reportedly bring key technical upgrades to the platform, including a "revolutionary" front facing 3D camera system that can be used for a variety of applications, from biometric authentication to games.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, the OLED "iPhone 8" or "iPhone X" will add an infrared transmitting module and an infrared receiving module to accompany the FaceTime camera.
The new system will enable the forward facing camera to accomplish 3D sensing and modeling. According to Kuo, this will be available for a range of unique use cases, including replacing the head of a character in a 3D game, or taking a 3D selfie.
Of course, such a system could also allow for advanced biometric authentication. The details are in line with earlier reports, which suggested Apple plans to add two-step authentication to its flagship iPhone this year, combining facial recognition with fingerprint scanning.
To that end, Kuo said that the new system could be used for both facial and iris recognition.
Apple is expected to include a customized 1.4-megapixel image sensor in the infrared receiving model that will detect changes in light signals. The system is believed to use technology that Apple acquired from its $345 million purchase of PrimeSense back in 2013.
Combined with facial recognition technology from Apple's acquisition of augmented reality firm Metaio in 2015, Apple's system is expected to be far beyond anything currently available on the market.
Still, Kuo said that while Android handsets are behind Apple in terms of algorithms, he expects that competing handsets will catch up over the next 1 to 2 years. In the interim, the analyst said he is "upbeat" about the prospects for Apple's technology.
Kuo also expects that Apple's advanced camera technology will eventually make its way to the rear cameras on future iPhones in the years to come.
Beyond the years-past purchases of PrimeSense and Metaio, Apple has been gradually building its patent and technology portfolio with more acquisitions related to 3D facial recognition technology.
Just this week, it was revealed that the iPhone maker had acquired Israeli firm RealFace for $2 million. And back in January, reports indicated that it also bought facial expression analysis firm Emotient for an unknown amount.
Beyond the front facing camera, Apple's so-called "iPhone 8" is expected to feature an edge-to-edge OLED display with glass back. It is expected that key components -- including the FaceTime camera -- could be embedded within the display.
Apple is also expected to ditch the Touch ID home button and instead include a "function area" that will be dedicated to system functions, like virtual buttons. Above it will be a 5.15-inch diagonal display.
It's also rumored that the handset will feature wireless inductive charging, and will carry a hefty price tag starting at $1,000. Apple is expected to unveil the "iPhone 8," along with new "iPhone 7s" models in size of 4.7 and 5.5 inches, in September.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, the OLED "iPhone 8" or "iPhone X" will add an infrared transmitting module and an infrared receiving module to accompany the FaceTime camera.
The new system will enable the forward facing camera to accomplish 3D sensing and modeling. According to Kuo, this will be available for a range of unique use cases, including replacing the head of a character in a 3D game, or taking a 3D selfie.
Of course, such a system could also allow for advanced biometric authentication. The details are in line with earlier reports, which suggested Apple plans to add two-step authentication to its flagship iPhone this year, combining facial recognition with fingerprint scanning.
To that end, Kuo said that the new system could be used for both facial and iris recognition.
Apple is expected to include a customized 1.4-megapixel image sensor in the infrared receiving model that will detect changes in light signals. The system is believed to use technology that Apple acquired from its $345 million purchase of PrimeSense back in 2013.
Combined with facial recognition technology from Apple's acquisition of augmented reality firm Metaio in 2015, Apple's system is expected to be far beyond anything currently available on the market.
Still, Kuo said that while Android handsets are behind Apple in terms of algorithms, he expects that competing handsets will catch up over the next 1 to 2 years. In the interim, the analyst said he is "upbeat" about the prospects for Apple's technology.
Kuo also expects that Apple's advanced camera technology will eventually make its way to the rear cameras on future iPhones in the years to come.
Beyond the years-past purchases of PrimeSense and Metaio, Apple has been gradually building its patent and technology portfolio with more acquisitions related to 3D facial recognition technology.
Just this week, it was revealed that the iPhone maker had acquired Israeli firm RealFace for $2 million. And back in January, reports indicated that it also bought facial expression analysis firm Emotient for an unknown amount.
Beyond the front facing camera, Apple's so-called "iPhone 8" is expected to feature an edge-to-edge OLED display with glass back. It is expected that key components -- including the FaceTime camera -- could be embedded within the display.
Apple is also expected to ditch the Touch ID home button and instead include a "function area" that will be dedicated to system functions, like virtual buttons. Above it will be a 5.15-inch diagonal display.
It's also rumored that the handset will feature wireless inductive charging, and will carry a hefty price tag starting at $1,000. Apple is expected to unveil the "iPhone 8," along with new "iPhone 7s" models in size of 4.7 and 5.5 inches, in September.
Comments
facebook messenger and snap chat 3D face effects already work well enough for this gimmick, no special hardware required.
reminds me of the plus portrait mode blurred background, another feature that can easily be done in software
They may indeed have an enhanced facial recognition system, to apply to the Camera and Photos app, because the People feature desperately needs better logic.
But thats it. You're not going to be unlocking your iPhone with your face.
Old Well-Connected has all the dots in front of him, but he's failed to join them up correctly. He seriously thinks that Apple is going to force users to authenticate with their face and a fingerprint before buying a Vanilla Latte?
if that's what he thinks then either he's on crack or Apple is.
Apple never does things for the hell of it. They always have a plan. You may not see exactly why this is important today (or when/if its released), but in the future you will. You have the lay the ground work for this stuff first and then go from there. Apple does this all the time...I bet most people don't even realize it.
For example, do you think for a second that Apple only came out with this extremely well implemented fingerprint reader (TouchID) just to unlock your phone? Of course not! They were most likely working on ApplePay the entire time knowing TouchID could be a very secure way of implementing it. Nobody knew this at the time, except Apple but it was implemented and tested for a year or so before ApplePay came out so they knew TouchID would work well for it.
Not one. Apple has not done a single acquisition and holds not a single patent related to facial recognition. Face recognition, on the other hand...
It's as I said throughout my career, I hate being right two years early. Soon, after Apple goes in stage and intros some related feature, perhaps the world will finally start using the correct term.
And Cook's not lying to you when he says they have things in the pipeline. Previously: AirPods, TouchBar, Watch, more awesome phones, etc.
I know tho, it's hard to use tech as the most exciting thing in your life when our devices start to mature. But let me ask you -- do you think carpenters are posting such nonsense on power tools forums? "Nothing revolutionary in this band saw! DeWalt sucks!"
Seems like the first definition applies perfectly well ("recognition of the face"). But perhaps the remarkable thing will be the app that can reverse engineer the makeup applied to someone else's face. "How does she look so young and fresh?" "There's an app for that!"
You're nothing but a DeWalt-hating troll! Go back to Porter Cable Insider and yuck it up with your misinformed friends.