14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s facial recognition system called Face ID and available exclusively on the iPhone X has generated mixed reactions in the industry, with some people praising its security capabilities, while others claimed it’s a step backward from fingerprint scanning.
But despite the criticism, Android phone makers seem ready to follow in Apple’s footsteps and embrace facial recognition systems on their next-year models, with several top companies said to be exploring their options right now and discussing potential partnerships with suppliers.
DigiTimes writes that Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi are currently involved in talks with a number of companies that could manufacture 3D sensing sensors for their future products, including Largan Precision (which also makes the iPhone sensors), Sunny Optical, Orbbec, and Himax.
The report claims Largan is in pole position to get the biggest number of orders, not only because it has the know-how, technology, and capacity to build 3D sensors powering facial recognition, but also thanks to the fact that it’s working with Apple. This is considered to be a major advantage over rival companies, as Apple typically signs only top-rated suppliers.
Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Samsung exploring 3D sensing tech
3D sensing modules jointly developed by Qualcomm, Himax, and Truly Opto-electronics have already been looked into by Oppo and Xiaomi, and the two firms are expected to explore ways to install these parts on their devices in 2018.
Analysts believe the next-generation iPhone models won’t bring any major upgrade over the existing Face ID version, though the company is expected to expand the facial recognition system to all iPhone models. This means that 2018 iPhones could also feature Face ID regardless of size and screen technology.
Additionally, Apple is also planning to bring Face ID to other devices in its lineup, including the iPad, which could embrace an edge-to-edge display as well for the 2018 model.
Samsung itself has also been rumored to be looking into 3D sensing tech for its flagships, and the first smartphone that could feature such a system is the Galaxy S9 launching in the spring.