Rumors are traveling at blazing high speeds on the Internet after Samsung tweeted what some believe is a hint at a new security feature coming with Galaxy Note 4. Many were let down by the Galaxy S5 release and are speculating the company's next move is possibly an iris scanner on one of its coming devices.
Korea-based Samsung, a global competitor to America-based Apple, may or may not be releasing an iris scanner with its upcoming Galaxy Note 4. Many appear to be enticed by the thought, however.
One other possibility is that it could end up appearing on a different smartphone altogether. A report citing a reliable South Korean news service speculates on the release of Galaxy Alpha phone.
Others point out a hint that Samsung itself has offered, a clue to Samsung's successful efforts in providing secure devices. They recently tweeted an image containing an eye that said, "Security can be improved using features unique to us. That's what we envision. What would you use?"
Security can be improved using features unique to us. That's what we envision. What would you use? #ExynosTomorrow pic.twitter.com/KLgQ1q9GkP
— SamsungExynos (@SamsungExynos) July 12, 2014
One online author commented on the fact rumors had previously buzzed about an iris scanner on other Samsung devices, but people were thereafter disappointed. Now they are back to anxiously imagining again.
The author of the post alluded to Samsung's strides in security, which have reportedly enabled it to be useful for the military and government. Samsung has taken measures to improve upon its Knox system, which is credited with securing the Galaxy S5 phone so well.
Questions remain about using an iris scanner in the dark or other formidable conditions. Will Samsung be a competitor to Apple with this technology?
Other reports suggest a slowdown for Samsung as demand for low-end phones converges with less demand for more high-end units. The photo used in the Tweet has lured many to believe the image showing an eye within a phone screen indicates an iris scanner in development for a coming device release. Iris scanners check the colored part of the eye, take just a few seconds, can be done from up to two feet away and scan about 240 reference points.
Samsung has not confirmed any of this information, so it remains to be seen what the company might develop for its next generation of devices, and if that will include iris scanning security and related software. Rumors of an expected September release of the Note 4 include features like a 2K display, quad- or octa-core processor with 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB storage, 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and 4-megapixel front-facing camera.
