Samsung’s newest flagship offerings -- the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9 Plus -- come with some really cool features, such as Intelligent Scan (which combines facial recognition technology with iris scanning software) and AR Emoji (which allows users to transform their selfies into their own AR enhanced emoji). But some may argue that as cool as these features are, they do not quite reach the levels of the iPhone X’s Face ID tech and Animoji feature (helped immensely by the device’s 3D camera on its front side).
Still, Samsung is in a perfect position to introduce some needed adjustments with regards to its biometric security technology and emoji driven feature, especially with next year’s launch of the Galaxy S10 flagships. According to a report recently published by The Investor, it appears that the South Korean tech giant is joining forces with Mantis Vision in order to develop the 3D sensing camera tech for the 2018 Galaxy S models.
There are many reasons the 3D sensing camera is essential. Thanks to the iPhone X’s TrueDepth sensor system, a 3D model of the human face is rendered by way of 30,000 infrared dots. For sure, the process is complicated, but the result is extra security, especially in making the 3D rendering safe enough to be used for mobile payment transactions. The same technology is utilized in the creation of personalized Animoji, making for a more fun experience.
Apple clearly has an edge over Samsung in terms of 3D sensing camera technology. But considering that the latter is the number one mobile manufacturer in the face of the planet, it should be able to marshal its seemingly endless resources to close the gap.
Meanwhile, there are fresh rumors concerning an upcoming flagship device from another South Korean tech giant, LG, recently. The latest speculation revolves around the company’s decision to make the screen notch of its G7 flagship optional. On the wake of the release of last year’s iPhone X, various Android mobile manufacturers have been starting to embrace the screen notch (the black notch located on the top portion of the display that houses the camera and other sensors).
There was talk that LG was looking to join in on the screen notch party. But as reported by TechRadar, it turns out that a screen notch can be made optional, by way of specific software settings that would allow users to make the notch invisible (vanishing right into a screen bezel).
Will we see this feature on the upcoming LG G7? Nothing is certain yet, but if the rumors of the G7 launching in May of this year turn out to be true, we should be able to find out about a couple of months from now.
