At Mobile World Congress (MWC) on Monday, Metalenz, an optical business based in Harvard Labs, said that it is teaming up with Samsung to produce Polar ID, a face-detecting sensor that is far more compact, reasonably priced, and safe than the ones that are currently available in our smartphones.
In contrast to the existing facial authentication method, Polar ID senses the entire polarization state of light using meta-optic technology, which allows it to capture each person’s own “polarization signature” on their face. Image sensors compatible with Metalenz’s revolutionary polarization-sensitive meta-optic are needed for this technology, and Metalenz selected Samsung Electronics’ ISOCELL Vizion 931.
“Leveraging the performance and scale of Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 931 image sensor allows our Polar ID cameras to quickly and efficiently determine the polarization information in a scene, from which our imaging algorithms and machine learning models authenticate the Polar ID images.”
Rob Devlin, Metalenz CEO and co-founder
According to the press announcement, the cooperation enables Polar ID technology to be 50% smaller and less expensive than conventional face unlock systems. Furthermore, Samsung’s massive production capacity will guarantee that Photo ID becomes a widely used and effective method of unlocking devices quickly.
“Our collaboration with Metalenz is not just about combining technologies; it marks a pivotal advancement in biometric imaging capabilities, making face unlock solutions with enhanced security and affordability accessible on a global scale.”
CY Lee, Samsung VP of sensor sales and marketing
Polar ID’s cost and scale advantages may make it easier for businesses like Apple, Google, and Samsung to employ face recognition technology, which will benefit customers.
These businesses may then focus their efforts on other phone components, which should result in the creation of more creative designs and the usage of higher-quality materials.
