Samsung is testing a new technology that would help users remember forgotten passwords. It’s different from common security features such as facial recognition, iris Scanning, PINs and pattern lock; the technology would deploy a phone’s camera and take a picture of the user’s palm. Thereafter, the array of lines would be matched to those stored on the device to help you remember your forgotten passwords.
New way to remember forgotten passwords
Once the user’s palm is scanned, the patent technology will suggest a few letters to remind the user of the password they used.
“This isn’t a method for unlocking similar to iris or fingerprint scanning; instead, Samsung wants to use palm scanning to ensure that the user requesting for the password hint is the owner of the device,” reports SamMobile, which first spotted the patent.
Before the smartphone starts giving hints, the user must prove that he or she is the owner of the phone. The hints will be scattered on the phone screen, making it difficult for a random person to figure out the password from them. According to Samsung’s patent, the technology would beef up existing security features, but it would not be used to authenticate payments on Samsung Pay or lock or unlock the smartphone.
Apple is already using facial recognition for unlocking iPhones, so it is natural that Samsung would want something that differentiates its smartphones from those of its biggest rival. Apple has utilized the camera system, which uses 3D sensors, infrared cameras and a dot projector, for its facial authentication feature.
As of now, there is no information on when the patented technology will be available commercially. We will have to wait to see if the Korean firm integrates the palm reading tech in its upcoming Galaxy S9 and S9+, which are expected to debut at CES in January. Moreover, it is just a patent filing, so there is a chance that it will never end up in a finished product.
Samsung launches another flip phone In China
In other Samsung news, the South Korean electronics giant released the W2018 flip phone in China. The W2018 was launched on the China Telecom network and will start shipping shortly. The flip phone comes with two Super AMOLED touchscreen displays, one on the exterior and the other on the interior of the phone.
The W2018 is available in two color options: Elegant Gold and Platinum. It runs on the Snapdragon 835 processor and features 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 256GB storage options, and a USB Type-C port. It has a fingerprint scanner, runs on Android 7.1 Nougat and is backed by a 2,300mAh battery. The fingerprint scanner is close to the rear-facing camera on the back of the panel. There is also a Bixby button for activating the voice assistant. Samsung has also used the variable aperture feature, which is the first since the Nokia N86 MP.
Samsung is also offering some unique services with the phone, such as concierge service at subways, free software, and support services at reduced costs.
