Smartphone face biometrics can unlock homes, could soon be performed with under-display cameras

Under-display facial recognition could soon be coming to consumer electronics. OTI Lumionics has received a strategic investment from LG Technology Ventures to help accelerate the adoption of its under display camera solution and other materials for next-generation consumer devices.

OTI announced the development of the ConducTorr CPM (Cathode Patterning Material) solution to enable camera systems to work under OLED displays earlier this month, and it will begin shipping in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 for mobile devices and other displays, such as transparent displays and automotive systems.

“We are thrilled to have LG Technology Ventures as a valuable partner for the development of our materials as we gear up for mass production,” said Michael Helander, Co-Founder and CEO of OTI Lumionics. “It is great validation to have a leading brand like LG partner in our efforts to create the most advanced display solutions in the industry.”

The investment is part of a larger strategic funding round, according to the announcement, with another leading consumer electronics brand participating.

Smartphone biometrics for smart locks

A new biometric unlocking feature using native smartphone fingerprint or facial recognition has been rolled out for smart locks made by Assa Abloy brands August and Yale, according to a company announcement, to make it as easy for customers to unlock their homes as their phones.

The August and Yale Access apps on iOS or Android now support remote locking and unlocking with August Smart Locks and Yale Assure Locks and Levers with Wi-Fi. The “Secure Remote Access” feature enables built-in authentication tools to be used, including PIN codes for mobile devices without native biometrics.

The feature works through Wi-Fi or mobile data, but not Bluetooth, so requires an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or Connect Wi-Fi Bridge with a compatible lock, the companies say.

The brands are also launching a feature to hide entry codes within their mobile apps, so that they will only be revealed after the user is authenticated.

Assa Abloy increased its biometric expertise earlier this year through a technological partnership with BioSec and the acquisition of Biosite.

Article Topics

Assa Abloy  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  LG  |  mobile app  |  OTI Lumionics  |  smart lock  |  smartphones  |  under display