How the New Samsung Galaxy S8 Could Represent a Revolution in Data Protection Methods [Infographic]

Alan Rita — May 4, 2017

— May 4, 2017

With its launch just a couple of weeks ago, it is no surprise to find the Samsung Galaxy S8 in almost every headline of popular technology website or magazine. But what’s the hype with the latest Samsung’s smartphone flagship in comparison with prior releases?

For starters, the Samsung Galaxy S8 keeps exploring the concept of the no-frame display, something that was extensively covered with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Edge a couple of years ago, though technology improvements have fixed all the potential issues users may have come across in the very early stages of such innovative technology. However, the Samsung Galaxy S8 takes its biggest stake in data protection methods with a revised version of its facial recognition software and the added value of the new Iris Scan security method.

Is it worth the investment? Will it represent a step forward in regards to safer login methods? Let’s find out!

Samsung Failed Attempts in Facial Recognition Software

Samsung’s interest in facial recognition technologies isn’t a surprise to anybody, considering their first attempts on this behalf were made back at 2011 with Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich version, and the shame experienced when such technology could be fooled by something as simple as a photo.

We have to praise the Asian’s well-known perseverance as it led to the development of a secure facial recognition software that Samsung is proud to introduce their latest flagship product.

How Does This Technology Works?

Unlike what we might consider when hearing about iris scanners, there’s no need for performing odd poses or bringing the phone right close to our face to unlock features – something that not only could be seen as odd in common social scenarios but also jeopardise the anonymity of doing secure procedures in our devices.

The exciting features Samsung introduces with the Galaxy S8 are a brand new Iris Recognition hardware that sends a near infrared light into our eyes, recognising unique patterns in both eyes, thus unlocking the device.

Why Iris Scan?

Many other biometric methods are exposed to drastic changes in our life. The very first example on this behalf are voice biometrics as our voice tends to change as we mature, but even fingerprints can suffer considerable changes depending on the lifestyle we have and the kind of work we do (especially for those who work with hazardous materials or whose jobs require exclusively manufacturing).

The iris is the coloured ring that precedes the pupil, and what people acknowledge as eye colour. Even if eye colour is given by genetics, the importance of the Iris for biometrics is linked to the muscles that control the aperture of the pupil, alongside with the ligaments of connectivity tissue. These ligaments are subject to unique patterns created during gestation, one per eyeball, and unless some traumatic accident is experienced, these patterns won’t change the course of our life. Further information on this behalf can be studied at this infographic courtesy of Avatier.

Selfies Brought the Idea

As silly as this may sound, we can quickly trace a line between this technological advancement and the development of more precise frontal cameras for smartphones. What’s the endgame for such purposes? Better selfies, obviously.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

The growing tendency of framing our lives in multiple scenarios without requiring a third-party involved in the process has led to mobile technology giants to seek improvements in what image quality regards. From those old VGA cameras that some might remember, back at 2006, to the current 8-13 MPX cameras displayed in several Android devices from brands like Asus, Samsung, Sony and HTC, these cameras are up for competing with the rear ones featured in high-end smartphones; thus leading to the addition of extra technologies to process new orders.

What’s the Endgame for Samsung’s Biometrics?

Regardless of how cool it may seem to unlock your phone by just looking at it, Samsung’s plans for their Iris Scan technology go way ahead of simple entertainment. The final destination? Samsung Pay.

Just like Apple, Samsung is taking financial security protection in their own hands, developing alternatives to Google Pay services for providing their users with a secure interface in which processing transactions is as secure as visiting a banking entity, if not more. The major downside of this project is the amount of time that’s prone to take for occidental markets to adapt to this technology, as only South Korea is implementing this technology so far (thus rumours tell more countries are likely to join).

Could we reach the technological evolution seen at the Asian’s electronic giant? Surely, but it will take time, patience and mostly incentive for convincing people this is the proper path for tomorrow’s world.

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