Google's "Project Toscana" Aims for Face ID-Level Performance on Pixel Devices

Google is reportedly developing an initiative named "Project Toscana," which aims to introduce new face unlock hardware for Pixel phones and Chromebooks. This hardware is intended to achieve performance comparable to Apple's Face ID.

A Brief History of Pixel Face Unlock

Biometric authentication on Android devices primarily relies on fingerprint sensors. Google has previously implemented face unlock features. The Pixel 4 series included IR hardware for this purpose, which was later removed.

Face unlock was reintroduced in the Pixel 7 series using a camera-based system and was subsequently updated in the Pixel 8 series to support secure applications.

Project Toscana: The Hardware Vision

Reports indicate that "Project Toscana" involves a significant hardware upgrade. This new system would utilize a "single hole-punch camera cutout" on Pixel devices.

This new system is claimed to function as quickly as iPhone's Face ID in "various lighting conditions." It may also incorporate infrared (IR) technology.

The objective is to enable face unlock functionality in any lighting condition without requiring additional visible hardware.

Looking Ahead: Pixel 11 and Beyond

Prior information suggested that the Pixel 11 could include face unlock for darker conditions. This functionality might be achieved potentially through an "under-display IR (infrared) camera system" supported by the Tensor G6 chip.

Further details on the implementation of "Project Toscana" are pending.