Motorola could be looking to integrate an iris scanner into its next-gen Moto Z (2017) smartphone, which is believed to be the successor of the Moto Z (2016).
The use of biometrics to enhance the security of a mobile device is an increasingly popular trend. While fingerprint scanners have become a common feature on most top-end to mid-range smartphones, most current-gen devices are yet to be equipped with an iris scanner.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was equipped with an iris scanner, however, with the handset's withdrawal from the market, this technology for smartphones remains relatively untapped. It seems that things are about to change and Lenovo-owned Motorola could very well be one of the companies which is to be the harbinger of this technology.
According to a new report, Motorola has applied for a new patent which suggests that the company is eyeing the incorporation of an iris scanner in its impending handsets.
The report shares that the patent reveals the iris scanner technology deployed by Motorola would be hinged on two lenses, narrow-angle ones at that. These two lenses would likely work in conjunction to capture each eye of the individual.
Motorola Patent Filing: What Does It Reveal?
The sketches accompanying the patent filing from Motorola also detail the iris scanner at work, showing off how the proposed technology may work on a future device from the company.
The patent also shows off a smartphone that has a fingerprint sensor on the device's home button, as well as the proposed iris scanner.
Iris Scanner: What Does It Do?
An iris scanner is capable of the same things as a fingerprint sensor except that instead of reading the fingerprints, it studies the iris's unique characteristics as a mode of verification before the device can be unlocked.
The use of an iris scanner would beef up the security of any mobile device by adding an extra layer of safety.
Will The Moto Z (2017) Benefit From An Iris Scanner?
Oftentimes, companies file for numerous patents but few of the patented technologies actually see the light of day.
Considering that Motorola has just applied for the patent and apparently has not yet been granted the same, the chances of the iris scanner making its way to the Moto Z refresh seems unlikely. The Moto Z (2017) is rumored to debut at the MWC in February and it seems improbable that the handset would be kitted with an iris scanner before a green signal for the technology has been received by the company.
However, future Motorola devices could be equipped with the iris scanner but it all depends on when the patent is granted.
The Moto Z (2016) was released in June 2016, and if this cycle is maintained for the successor, Moto Z (2017), then there's a slim possibility of the new variant housing an iris scanner.
