Samsung has had its share of leaks regarding the Galaxy S9 and S9+ as we lead up to the Mobile World Congress at the end of next month. A new leak may have outed an Intelligent Scan feature that maps a user"s face and iris for better accuracy.
Two reports from SamCentral unveiled several new things that could be included in the Galaxy S9 and S9+, based on a teardown of a Note8 Oreo using APKTool on the Settings APK. Several strings uncovered mention of Intelligent Scan, which "combines face and iris scanning to improve accuracy and security even in low or very bright light." Apparently, the APK is allowing Intelligent Scan, Iris Scan and Facial recognition all to be used as independent verifiers of identity, but all three can"t be used together. Using one apparently mutually excludes the others. For example, using iris scan precludes you from using facial recognition at the same time unless you are using Intelligent Scan. There is also an indication that turning one off turns the others off as well.
There are also detailed disclaimers on how to set up the two:
- Before using the iris recognition camera and LED, keep the following precautions in mind:
- To protect your eyes, keep the screen at least 8 inches away from your face when using iris recognition.
- Do not attach unofficial screen protectors (privacy protection films, tempered glass protectors, etc.) to your device. The iris recognition LED may not turn off even when you are very close to it.
- Do not use this feature with infants. Doing so may damage their eyesight.
- Anyone who has experienced dizziness, seizures, loss of awareness, blackouts, or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition, or has a family history of such symptoms or conditions, should consult a doctor before using this feature.
- Biometric data collected and stored locally by the iris scanner is not intended for any diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive medical purposes.
- Before using face recognition to unlock your device, keep the following precautions in mind:
- Your phone could be unlocked by someone or something that looks like you.
- If you use face recognition only, this will be less secure than using Pattern, PIN, or Password.
- Something prevents a good view of your face or eyes (e.g., glasses, contact lenses, hat, low eyelids, recent eye surgery, disease, dirt, damage to the camera, or excessive movement).
- The lighting is very different from when you registered your face or irises (e.g., direct sunlight, much darker surroundings).
Other strings indicate the return of Smart Stay from the Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note8, which allows a device to remain on by sensing a face in front of the camera. There is also the hint of a return of Smart Rotation from older Galaxy S models as well.
In a separate listing, a feature called Tag Shot was found for the cameras. This reveals that location and weather information will be embedded in every shot taken. But the feature will come with a warning: "Use caution when you send, share, distribute, transmit, or copy these pictures since they contain information about where the picture was taken."
You will also apparently be able to embed stickers in images as well: "Add stickers or images to pictures taken using Dual camera, then adjust the depth of the stickers or images."
SamCentral dumped two sets of string data that you can examine for yourself.
Obviously, everything is subject to change until Samsung specifically announces what features the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will have, likely at its special event on February 25, before the Mobile World Congress begins.
Via VentureBeat