Face id application for android. Android smartphones will have their own Face ID. Single camera portraits

As it became known this week, Google is working on advanced facial recognition algorithms that will compete with Apple's Face ID hardware complex. My colleague at AppleInsider.ru Alexander Bogdanov tried to explain why, in his opinion, all attempts by the search giant to oppose Apple in the field of facial identification are not worth a damn. In some ways he is certainly right, but not in all. But what exactly - now let's figure it out.

I am absolutely sure that secure face identification is possible even without using the hardware sensors that underlie the Face ID complex. It will be enough to have correctly configured algorithms trained to find differences in the faces of different people using artificial intelligence technologies. And, I have no doubt about it, in the foreseeable future, Apple itself will abandon the system of lasers and 3D cameras in favor of only software.

Single camera portraits

Google has repeatedly proven that the software implementation of any function can qualitatively surpass even what has a hardware basis. The most striking example of this is the portrait mode with a single camera. Even when all manufacturers required a telescopic lens to measure the distance to an object, Pixel smartphones coped with only a wide angle and properly configured software.

Surprisingly, the quality of portrait photos taken with the Pixel 3 camera not only argues, but even surpasses the result of the iPhone XS and XS Max. This was recognized even by the experts of the DxOMark laboratory, in whose credibility there is no doubt. According to them, the algorithms used by Google work almost flawlessly, effectively blurring the background behind the subject where necessary, and exactly as needed.

It turns out that, transfer Google's algorithm of "determining the depth" to front camera with a number of minor improvements, and smartphones will be able to clearly understand when they are trying to slip a photo, a mask or a stranger who is trying to take possession of the smartphone.

Face ID for Android is here

We can already see the first rudiments of intelligent face scanning without the use of hardware sensors. Many smartphones, not equipped with even a hint of hardware face recognition sensors, are successful in trying to fool them with a photo and do not unlock them. And, I must say, as the identification algorithms for such smartphones are improving, there are more and more such smartphones.

Another example of the successful exploitation of software algorithms is "smart" night mode, which miraculously brightens photos taken in the dark, so that they look like they were taken with a professional camera. This technology can be used for face recognition in low light conditions. I think it will not be difficult for Google to teach algorithms to brighten a frame in real time and thus make identification without using laser illumination, which Cupertino rely on.

It's up to the implementation.

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One of the top business analysts, Ming Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, said that the presentation Apple iPhone X last month led Android manufacturers to shift their focus from trying to embed a fingerprint scanner under the display and developing their own version of the TrueDepth camera with 3D scanning and face recognition.

The realization that Face ID would be more interesting to the user came to manufacturers after a year of trying to develop an under-display fingerprint scanner. As you noticed, in Galaxy smartphones S8, Galaxy S8 + and Galaxy Note 8, with edge-to-edge "infinity" display, no room for the Home button, which usually houses a fingerprint reader. Apple had the same problem with 10th Anniversary iPhone model X.

Samsung uses a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner on all three smartphones. Apple's plan turned out to be more ambitious. The company has implemented a TrueDepth facial recognition system built into a new front-facing camera that has 3D scanning functionality. Back in February, long before the presentation of the iPhone X, Kuo predicted revolutionary popularity of this camera. Now that Apple has introduced Face ID on the iPhone X, it appears that most users are eagerly awaiting the prospect of face unlocking premium Android smartphones.

Back in August, Kuo reported that the first Samsung model which will have an under-display fingerprint scanner will Samsung Galaxy Note 9. He still believes the Galaxy Note 9 will be the first Samsung model to use an under-glass fingerprint scanner. However, he points out that Android manufacturers have focused on 3D scanning technology since the iPhone X unveiled on September 12. The analyst says the use of 3D scanning and facial recognition could boost the margins that manufacturers are making on Android smartphones. According to Kuo, the 3D sensor system from Qualcomm and Himax has a good chance of taking a leadership position, as it has been in development for a long time and has been proven "in action."

“3D recognition not only enables face recognition in security applications and the creation of animated emoji with user expressions, but it is also a key factor in the development of augmented reality. Therefore, we believe that brand manufacturers are ready to spend more on the necessary components, ”says Min Chi Kuo.

The analyst expects that over the next two to three years, Android smartphones with face recognition will be released two to three times more than devices with an under-screen fingerprint reader.

In today's article we will talk about the Face ID option - what it is, how it works, and on which smartphones it is supported.

In simple terms, it is unlocking the phone using face recognition technology. The option came to replace Touch ID - a method of verification through a fingerprint scanner. By the way, Face ID not only unlocks the device, but also makes contactless payments in App Store, protects some applications and files from unauthorized viewing, and performs other protective functions.

The option was first introduced by Apple in mid-September 2017.

To understand how Face ID technology works, imagine a smart interface that can generate a 3D face model in real time. This is exactly what happens.

The 3D face shape scanner analyzes the image and checks its compliance with the established original;
If the sensor is convinced of an absolute match, the device opens;
Otherwise, you will be required to enter a password.

The True Depth system includes an infrared camera, an infrared emitter and a point projector, and all this equipment is located at the top of the front side of the Iphone.

How to enable Face ID on Android

If you are wondering how to enable Face ID on Android, we will first upset you, and then we will make you happy!

This is Apple's own development, so it's impossible to officially download Face ID on Android devices. There are many tips and applications on the net that supposedly allow you to do this. We do not recommend using such methods because they are questionable. In order for the technology to work on Android, you will have to change official firmware, or, speaking accessible, hack the native system. Moreover, entrust this business to an incomprehensible software. We are absolutely sure that no one can guarantee the security of your personal data in this case.
Do not rush to get upset! Have operating system Android has its own face recognition technology, and it has existed for much longer than Face ID, namely, starting with Android 5.0 (and now, for a minute, the ninth is already working!). The technology is called Smart Lock, you can find it in Settings, in the Security section. However, it is not as accurate as Face ID. at least, the developers themselves warn users that pattern key or touch ID is much more reliable.

Which phones does Face ID work on

As we mentioned above, the option was introduced less than two years ago, so the list of phones with Face ID won't be long. We emphasize that we mean exactly the original Face ID technology, which is only in Apple devices:

Iphone X;
Iphone XS;
Iphone XS Max;
Iphone XR;
IPad Pro 2018;
And in subsequent models.

Samsung, LG, and Huawei have analogs of face verification - all the latest models have this option. But, we repeat, it is still not even half as accurate and cool as that of Apple's gadgets.

How to set up on an Iphone

Let's take a quick look at how to set up Face ID on an Iphone - in fact, there is nothing to set up there.

By the way, thanks to the IR sensors, the system works great both day and night, so you can not worry about the lack of lighting. Judging by the reviews, program malfunctions are extremely rare, and most often they are all related to the activities of the owner of the device.

If Face ID isn't working

If suddenly the Face ID technology does not recognize your face or writes that verification is this moment unavailable, one of the following situations has occurred:

Mechanical damage, most often due to a fall, the impact of which fell on our sensors. In this case, only Apple Service can help.
Software malfunction. Any program, even the most perfect one, sometimes "glitches". Recommended to do Iphone soft and hard reset;
"Curve" installation of the update. It also happens, what can you do. You need to "roll back" to previous firmware IOS and reinstall the update.

What else do you need to know about technology?

Previously, the answer to the question "how many faces can I add to Face ID?" was categorically sad - only 1. It was terribly inconvenient, especially for mothers with children who watched cartoons from the device. Starting with the operating system IOS12, you can add an alternative appearance to the option. We are not talking about the second person, this trick was introduced for people who like to experiment with their appearance, wear colored lenses, glasses, a beard, etc. However, why not add a second image?

Let's find out how to add a second person to Face ID, here's short instruction:

Go to Settings - Face ID and Passcode;
In chapter " External views»Click on "Alternative Image";
Scan the second applicant;
Enter the code again;
Ready!

In conclusion, we will consider whether it is possible to deceive the technology, and also talk about the reliability and safety of biometric data.

As sad practice shows, you can deceive and bypass Face ID, at least on Youtube there are a lot of videos demonstrating this. However, Apple regularly improves the security and protection of the technology, and with each new version operating system, bypassing sensors is given to people more and more difficult. So, today the technology can definitely be deceived by similar twins and children under 13 years old (facial features are not yet fully formed). As for the modification of the owner of the device - glasses, hats and beards did not always put the system into a stupor. Sometimes she still asked for an additional password, but more often she generously opened access.
If you are wondering how to hack Face ID, we will disappoint you - in this regard, the system is very reliable.
For those who are interested in whether it is possible to disable Face ID, we will please - the option can be deactivated. If you do not want to use the sensor for analyzing the biometric data of your face, use Touch ID or a pattern. To turn off, simply move the function slider (in the home section) to the Off position.

In conclusion, let's talk about the security of the user's personal data. Today in the world there are many myths associated with face recognition technology. There are dozens of forums online where people discuss conspiracy theories and the establishment of total control for the population of the planet. They urge you to abandon the use of face verification, advise you to glue webcams on laptops and recommend never sending voice messages... It is not up to us to decide how relevant these tips are, but fanaticism has never done anything good.

Apple it is difficult to call an incomprehensible company - it values its reputation and has established itself as a proven service provider. In addition, according to the assurances of the developers, all biometric information is stored only on your Iphone, and there is not the image itself, but only a graphic image. This data will never fall into the wrong hands, so you can use the option without any risk.

You yourself must decide who to trust. But, you see, today it is impossible to live without technology. The same iPhones will soon be released without a fingerprint scanner at all, that is, all people will still have to scan their faces. If you already decided to buy such a device for yourself, would it be stupid not to use it to its fullest? Otherwise, why throw away that kind of money? Buy yourself push-button Nokia and then no one will ever find you for sure!