The breakthrough feature on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is expected to be an iris scanner. The feature will likely be used for security and authentication, but there has been little indication about just how the feature will work – until now. Weibo user @23NoRi recently shared images that seem to detail how users will be able to set up iris scanning when the device hits the market.
The leaked images show a device with Galaxy Note 7 branding when powered on. They also show the setup screen and directions for setting up irises on the device. The instructions indicate users must hold the Galaxy Note 7 handset 25-35 cm away from their face and then align their eyes with the circles on the setup screen.
The actual setup screen utilizes the device's camera to allow users to align their eyes up with the circles. Users must then draw a pattern with the dotted pad (which is similar to the pad for drawing a security pattern as an unlock measure).
The images do not show how the iris setup is confirmed, or how it functions once it is set up, but this is the most detailed information we have received about Samsung’s iris scanner so far. Much of the information about the feature has been vague.
Reports indicate that the Korean camera firm Patron may supply Samsung with the iris scanning camera modules for the Galaxy Note 7. Samsung patents have also surfaced, suggesting the iris scanner could be a camera-based feature. Finally, several device leaks have shown the Galaxy Note 7 may have extra camera sensors in its front panel, which may work with the iris scanner.
Samsung teased the iris scanner in the press invites to its Aug. 2 Unpacked event, where the Galaxy Note 7 is expected to be unveiled. The invites feature an icon of sorts, which appears at first glance to be a circle of S-Pen stylus points. However, the blue icon with one white fleck may actually represent an iris.
In addition to an iris scanner, the Galaxy Note 7 is expected to introduce a USB Type-C port and new S-Pen features. Other features may include a 5.7 Quad HD display, 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage with microSD expansion, a 12-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera IP68-rated water- and dust-resistance and a 3,600-4,000 mAh battery.
