Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 Can Scan Your Iris, Too
Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Note 7, the next version of its larger smartphone, and one brand new feature has been highlighted: a built-in iris scanner.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The iris scanner is expected to feature on an upcoming iPhone, but likely not the “iPhone 7,” AppleInsider explains. As you can see, the Galaxy Note 7 looks a lot like Apple's current-generation iPhone line, right down to the rose gold finish and white antenna lines. It also features a USB-C port, and identical internals to the Galaxy S7 smartphone. Yet it's the iris scanning feature that Samsung is touting, and which has captured the attention of Samsung's fan base:
The highlight feature of the device is further biometric identification beyond just a fingerprint detector, with the inclusion of an iris sensor through the 5-megapixel front-shooting camera. Beside just device unlocking, Samsung has implemented a secure folder in Android 6.0.1 “Marshmallow” allowing users to segregate applications and documents beyond just passcode security.
The iris scanner will also be used as part of Samsung Pay, the company's own answer to Apple Pay.
Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is a 5.7-inch smartphone and it weighs-in at 345 grams (compared with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6s Plus's 192 grams). It links with a stylus in order to allow users to draw on the handset, and this year, Samsung's smart pen has also been upgraded with waterproofing and a more realistic, ballpoint pen-like tip.
The Galaxy Note 7 is due for release on Aug. 19. Apple's next iPhone, on the other hand, is set to reach us sometime in September. As usual, we'll keep you posted with further news as we receive it.