14 DAY TRIAL // Recent rumors about the upcoming iPhone 8 have stated that the smartphone could ditch Touch ID tech for a new feature that involves facial recognition technology. A new report adds weight to previous rumors.
Apple has reportedly just bought Israeli firm RealFace, a machine-learning company that specializes in facial recognition technology, according to The Times of Israel. The company was founded in 2014 and has developed an app that mathematically determines the user’s best pictures using facial recognition software.
The software is capable of providing “frictionless face recognition” on a relatively low-powered device, such as an iPhone. RealFace aims to “offer customers a smart biometric log-in solution” for mobile deployment. Indeed, the company offered customers a smart biometric login method for accessing mobile devices and PCs.
Apple bought RealFace for $2 million
RealFace employed up to 10 people and the company had sales in China, Israel, Europe, and the US. The firm’s website has now been taken down.
It seems that Apple purchased RealFace firm for $2 million and will possibly use the unique facial recognition technology in upcoming devices. RealFace’s technology integrates artificial intelligence and “brings back human perception to digital processes.”
Facial recognition technology can be used in multiple ways, including by using the API for augmented reality, measuring distances for home improvement, scanning for 3D printing, and other applications that need volumetric scans or range-finding. However, augmented reality features might not be incorporated into Apple devices this year.
Recent reports say that the iPhone 8 might come with a 3D scanner for facial recognition, to replace the Touch ID technology. Apple might also be thinking about ditching the home button on the upcoming phone. Aside from this, the iPhone 8 is expected to come with edge-to-edge display and a bigger, more powerful battery, while its estimated price is said to surpass $1,000.