Between the Photo scanning, and this, I think its time for a third proper competitor in phone OS.
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iPhone 13 May Feature Upgraded Face ID That Works With Masks and Foggy Glasses
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Data being gathered in advance to test software+hardware in order to launch the feature via software update later with some head-start of internal large scale testing.
The mutations are more likely to emerge from the vast populations of people in less developed countries that have little to no access to vaccines. I'm with you though that everyone who can get vaccinated should.
Does anyone read anymore??
Did you even bother reading the article.. Thats just the R&D test device they are using before they miniaturise it further to the final product..
umm, no, the virus is here to stay because it's endemic. just like the flu. wild animals have it. no amount of vaccination will stop it. and mask mandates are being imposed despite the fact that they don't actually stop the spread of covid. dont blame that on anti vaxxers
Masks will never be relegated to history unfortunately. but even then, phone technology shouldn't dictate or suggest that.
SARS wasn't as huge of deal here but before COVID, I remember seeing a few foreign travelers still wear masks as a precaution.
Apple is currently testing new Face ID hardware that could allow users to unlock their iPhone while wearing a mask or foggy glasses, according to leaker Jon Prosser.
Render of the upgraded Face ID prototype case.
Via his website FrontPageTech.com, Prosser explained that Apple is testing more advanced Face ID hardware using a case that fits snugly around an iPhone 12. The case allows the iPhone to bypass its built-in Face ID system to use that of the case instead.
Prosser believes that the prototype Face ID array matches the exact layout depicted in CAD files of the iPhone 13 from earlier this year. This is because the prototype Face ID hardware in the case is considerably narrower than that of the iPhone 12, which would line up with the slimmer notch that is expected on the iPhone 13 models.
The external Face ID hardware was apparently needed due to large-scale tests that were being performed to collect as much data as possible. This is said to have allowed Apple to give a large number of employees new hardware without distributing an unreleased iPhone.
Participating employees were asked to wear combinations of face masks and glasses in a range of conditions to test the new hardware. Employees were simply asked to perform the tests but were not told what specific changes had been made to the Face ID sensor array in the case.
The new hardware reportedly allows iPhones to unlock with Face ID while wearing a mask, without the aid of an Apple Watch, and with foggy glasses.
While Prosser highlighted the striking similarity of the case's Face ID hardware with the expected smaller notch on the upcoming iPhone 13, it is not clear if this improved Face ID will arrive with the iPhone 13 or a future iPhone model.
The tests were apparently conducted recently, so Prosser suggested that if the improved Face ID is not immediately available with the iPhone 13, it could be introduced with a later software update.
Prosser elected to not share the images of the alleged prototype unit due to identifying marks found on it and shared a number of renders based on the images instead.
Article Link: iPhone 13 May Feature Upgraded Face ID That Works With Masks and Foggy Glasse
Or, you know, going back to Touch ID and the notch nonsense.
Agreed.
But whoever comes up with number 3 is going to need seriously deep pockets and one hell of a USP.
It is just pre-production testing, and will be miniaturized.
FaceID already works with face masks, I work in a hospital and it’s been great. Yes, I wear my mask correctly, no it didn’t work with FFP3 masks.
Makes sense and is already possible. My friend works at a security company and the entrance door uses facial recognition which works even if you wear a mask.
You probably have an Apple Watch too. That was a feature that came in a recent update, if you try to use Face ID with a mask on your phone will check with your Apple Watch for verification
The tech in this article would allow you to unlock with a mask on whether you have an Apple Watch or not.
Let’s not forget the iPhone is sold globally. Many countries (including the US) are still deep in COVID-19 so this will help lots of people.
Nope, I’d like to get one this year though, will be my first one.
I'd settle for a low, med high security setting that would work with masks for instance on low maybe, but have an alternative setting for people wanting higher security. Sometimes convenience is a good thing.
I have a dry skin and would constantly struggle with TouchID.
Also, there’s the issue of gloves, wet hands, dirty hands, etc.
If we’re talking about keeping both, sure.
But FaceID is leaps better, if only for the fact that there are less daily life scenarios where it’s completely unusable (well, at least before covid).