Face ID is expected to make its way to the next-generation iPad and the 2019 HomePod model, and now a report says that a feature similar to it will be on Android phones in the foreseeable future.
The iPhone X uses a front-facing sensor called the TrueDepth camera to make the face-scanning technology work, and Android manufacturers are reportedly preparing to amass components that will allow its phones to be capable of 3D sensing.
Android To Get 3D-Sensing Features
According to DigiTimes, industry sources say that Android smartphone vendors are securing the necessary parts for 3D sensing, including Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Principal suppliers are said to be Largan Precision, Sunny Optical, Orbbec, and Himax Technologies.
Larga stands out from the pack because of its advancement in the technology, not to mention that Apple and other Android makers source their supplies of camera lenses from the company.
Meanwhile, Oppo and Xiaomi have already confirmed the 3D-sensing solutions that Himax, Truly Opto-electronics, and Qualcomm developed.
Also, Sunny Optical is said to mass-produce its structure-light 3D-sensing component sometime during the third quarter of 2018.
Last but not least, Orbbec is reportedly pouring effort into the development of 3D sensors, algorithms, controller chips, and structure-light 3D cameras.
The Android smartphone vendors in question are expected to roll out smartphones with 3D-sensing capabilities in 2018.
Android Already Has Facial Recognition Technology
It's common knowledge that Android has facial recognition since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
An even more recent example is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, but it can be deceived by a 2D photo of the registered user's face. However, in the South Korean company's defense, the feature is touted simply as a convenient way to unlock the phone, even though the device itself clearly said it's "more secure than using your PIN."
In the same vein, Face ID has been tricked by an intricate $150 mask that's made of a 3D-printed frame, a silicone nose, and 2D images for parts such as the eyes. A 10-year-old also managed to successfully unlock his mother's iPhone X using Face ID, but the consensus is he inadvertently trained the phone to grant him access with his face.
The Bottom Line
Android manufacturers are planning on implementing 3D-sensing capabilities for its smartphones soon enough, which may come across as following Apple's footsteps.
Interestingly, this is reminiscent of when Apple removed the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7, and then several Android makers followed suit.
