Samsung's much-awaited mobile phone for 2017, the new Galaxy S8, will use facial recognition for mobile payments within months of its release. The cutting-edge security technology helps the device stand out from popular rival Apple's iPhone according to sources familiar with the matter.
Bloomberg reports that the new Samsung Galaxy S8 will combine fingerprint, iris and facial recognition to verify users accessing the mobile services of the flagship's device including Samsung Pay. The South Korea-based company has started working with banks to help embrace the facial detection systems in its new smartphone, which is set to be released on March 28.
Although previous Galaxy handsets already adopted the facial recognition technology by using it to unlock the phone, the Galaxy S8 will be the first to use the detection system when it comes to paying bills or other similar mobile payments. Sources claim that Samsung has been trying to boost and improve its facial recognition system over the years to upgrade mobile security, which is deemed important among consumers.
The report adds the new Galaxy S8 feature is impressive because iris and facial detection capabilities complement each other. This is because phones rely on iris detection when there is not enough light to recognize facial features. But the smartphone unlocks faster and accurately when it comes to recognizing faces. It's a technology sought after by Samsung competitors, including Cupertino-based tech giant Apple.
Meanwhile, 9TO5Google hopes to see a fast and accurate iris and facial recognition in the Galaxy S8 as it could relieve the need to use the fingerprint sensor, which can come handy in the case of mobile payments. In a recent poll conducted by the media outlet, 80% say they don't like Samsung's choice to place the fingerprint sensor on the rear near the camera sensor.
The decision of Samsung to push for facial recognition technology is reasonable considering that Apple is bringing the same for its next iPhone and analysts think the Galaxy S8 is behind other phones. Additionally, the Korean company needs to make it big after the Note 7 debacle that cost more than $6 billion. Success for the Galaxy S8 will also be crucial in order to reclaim Samsung's tarnished reputation after its heir Jay Y. Lee was detained in a corruption controversy.