"Project Toscana" is reportedly delayed and will not debut with the upcoming Pixel 11 series.
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Google’s Project Toscana: The Future of Biometric Face Unlock
Google is reportedly developing a biometric face unlock hardware initiative codenamed "Project Toscana," intended for Pixel phones and Chromebooks. This ambitious project aims to rival Apple’s Face ID, but recent unconfirmed reports indicate the initiative may be delayed from its anticipated release timeline.
Current Status and Reported Delays
According to a leak from the source Mystic Leaks, the hardware associated with "Project Toscana" is not ready for release and will not debut with the upcoming Pixel 11 series. Mystic Leaks has a history of accurate reporting, but this specific information has not been officially confirmed by Google.
"Project Toscana" hardware is not ready for release and will not debut with the upcoming Pixel 11 series, according to a leak from Mystic Leaks.
Project Toscana: Technical Objectives
The initiative is described as a hardware upgrade using a "single hole-punch camera cutout" on Pixel devices. The objective is to create a face unlock system claimed to function as quickly as Apple’s Face ID in "various lighting conditions." The system is reported to incorporate infrared (IR) technology. The ultimate goal is to enable face unlock in any lighting condition without requiring additional visible hardware.
This may be achieved through an "under-display IR (infrared) camera system" supported by a future Tensor G6 processor.
Historical Context of Pixel Face Unlock
- Pixel 4 (2019): Google introduced an IR-based face unlock system with dedicated hardware.
- Pixel 7 and 8 Series: Face unlock was reintroduced using a camera-based system that operates in well-lit conditions and is considered secure for various applications.
- Prior to Pixel 11: Earlier information suggested the Pixel 11 could include improved face unlock for darker conditions.
Related Industry Developments
Metalenz has announced a competing technology called "Polar ID," an under-display face unlock system that uses optical metasurfaces and polarization data. Metalenz has partnered with Qualcomm and expects its technology to appear in devices in 2027, with under-display versions likely in 2028. It is not confirmed whether Google's "Project Toscana" uses Metalenz's solution.
Conclusion
Google’s "Project Toscana" remains in development with a reported delay from the Pixel 11 series. Official confirmation and detailed specifications from Google are pending.