The Tensor G6’s image signal processor (ISP) is rumored to support an under-display IR camera system. This system is said to be specially designed to be power-efficient. While there’s nothing definitive today saying that this will be used for face unlock, it’s the most obvious use case.
The Pixel 4 had a similar system that used a dot projector, flood illuminator, and two IR cameras. This allowed it to recognize users in all lighting conditions. The technology was considered cutting-edge at the time and was even used for secure payments and app authentication. However, the technology was discontinued in later Pixel models, possibly due to cost or design considerations.
The Google Pixel 4 camera array featured two face unlock IR cameras, a flood illuminator, and dot projector. | Image credit — Google
Subsequently, the Pixel 7 switched this to a purely camera-based approach, then the Pixel 8+ upgraded this system to Class 3. This switch by the Pixel 8 effectively allowed face unlock to be used for Google Wallet/Pay transactions, banking, and other app sign-ins.
Whatever the implementation might look like, I’m excited about the possibility of the Pixel 11 having face unlock in all lighting conditions. I’m curious to see how well this system works in practice and if it will finally make face unlock a viable option for me in darker environments.
