The latest reports on the next generation phablet from Samsung, the Galaxy Note 7, suggest that the handset may feature an iris scanner for the first time. This information has been garnered from a leaked screenshot from the newly launched Galaxy Beta programme, which seems to indicate that it is possible to use iris functionality in order to unlock the smartphone.
Import data critical
This evidence has been supported by import and export data in India, which indicates a number of iris scanners being imported into the Asian subcontinental nation. The blog site GSMArena suggests that this apparent shipment could be intended for the Galaxy Note 7 phablet, with Samsung looking to beef up security in its next generation release.
It has been known for some time that passwords are a rather limited form of security, and one that is easily crackable for the most resourceful hackers. Biometric technology is considered far more secure, with the ability to scan unique facial features such as fingerprints, eyes and indeed the whole face itself, clearly significantly more advanced. Indeed, many PC, tablet and smartphone makers already incorporate fingerprint scanners.
Rumors that Samsung would introduce iris scanning technology into its Galaxy Note range have been abundant over the last couple of years, with all major smartphone manufacturers looking to soup up security provisions in their devices. Previous reports have often focused on the suggestion that the Galaxy S7 could include a retina scanner, although this obviously didn’t ultimately come to fruition.
However, in recent years, Samsung has used the Galaxy Note range as something of a sounding board for other devices manufactured by the Korean corporation. This has led to the Galaxy Note series being particularly critically acclaimed, as it is undoubtedly the most advanced smartphone that Samsung currently produces. It is thus the ideal platform for iris scanning technology to be tested out for the first time, with the security feature then expected to migrate to other devices in due course.
Iris accuracy
Not only does iris recognition deliver considerable security improvements over passwords, it is also superior to fingerprint processes. According to the research Centre SRI International, iris recognition can be considered 1,000 times more accurate than its fingerprint equivalent.
With this in mind, Samsung has already released the Samsung Galaxy Tab iris tablet, which utilizes an iris scanner in order to authenticate users. This innovation has been particularly welcomed in the business community, with many major financial institutions signing up for the technology. Samsung continues to battle Apple in the corporate marketplace, and this latest innovation could help the Korean corporation eat into the market lead of Apple.
Generation skip
It is important to note that although the last Galaxy Note release from Samsung was branded as the Galaxy Note 5, the Korean corporation is expected to skip the Galaxy Note 6 moniker in is 2016 release. The reason for naming the new phablet from Samsung the Galaxy Note 7 is that the Korean corporation wishes to unite its device ranges behind the numeral ‘7’, with the Galaxy S7, of course, long since available in the stores.
Aside from this explanation, it has also been suggested that 2016 could be something of a seventh generation battleground, with the iPhone 7 also due to be released, and Samsung is thus attempting to rival its great adversary with the release of the Galaxy Note 7.
Galaxy Note 7 to feature dual-cameras
Recent reports on the Galaxy Note 7 also suggest that the Samsung phablet will feature dual-cameras when it is ultimately released. Apple is gearing up to include this technology in its iPhone 7 Plus phablet, and Samsung is expected to follow suit with its own dual-lens set up when the Galaxy Note 7 is released.
As photographic technology becomes increasingly important in smartphones, it is imperative for manufacturers of devices to continue to experiment and innovate in order to deliver the best camera possible. Samsung is always more likely to attempt this in the Galaxy Note range, for the reasons mentioned previously, and thus reports from close to the Korean supply chain of Samsung including dual-cameras in the Note 7 must be taken seriously.
Galaxy Note 7’s design and display
Aside from the rumored improvements, it is also suggested that Samsung will make alterations to the design and display of the Galaxy Note 7 in an attempt to improve the phablet. This will firstly involve the screen size of the Galaxy Note 7 being increased, possibly to 6-inches. However, it is not expected that the Galaxy Note 7 will make the migration to 4K resolution technology, with Samsung holding off on this ultra HD technology for another 12 months at least.
Micro SD
However, Samsung is expected to reinstate micro SD when the Galaxy Note 7 is released, particularly as this expandable technology was included in the recent Galaxy S7. Micro SD allows storage to be bumped up significantly, and in a flexible way, and thus the Galaxy Note 7 could ultimately offer storage of 256 GB, or even greater.
Improved camera
Aside from the dual-lens functionality included in the Galaxy Note 7 snapper, it is also expected that Samsung will improve the camera technology to a lightning fast f/1.7 aperture. Autofocus will also be improved, by using 95% more pixels in order to focus.
Durability
Samsung is also expected to deliver a Galaxy Note 7 with IP68 rating, in order to ensure that this device is both significantly waterproof and dustproof. It has been reported that the Galaxy Note 7 will have similar water resistance to the existing Galaxy S7, meaning that it can sustain 5 feet of water depth for over 30 minutes and yet remain completely untarnished.
Specs
Expect an Exynos 8-core processor with 6GB of RAM, Android 6.0 Marshmallow to be installed as standard, an eight-megapixel front-facing camera to be included alongside the powerful rear snapper, a 4,000 mAh battery with fast wireless charging, and new S-Pen features to all form part of an extremely powerful Galaxy Note 7 portfolio.