Serious limitations In Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Iris Scanner

by
in security on (#1NS07)
The iris scanner in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is a welcome step forward in device security, but according to Samsung it comes with a long list of caveats. The iris recognition system uses three lenses to capture the image signal, but iris scanner may not work if you wear glasses or contacts, use it in low light conditions, if you've had eye surgeries such as LASIK, LASEK, intraocular lens implants or if you've had iris scar treatment. The performance of the iris scanner may also be affected if the user has an eye disease that affects the irises. You also need to be able to position the phone "25 to 30 centimeters from your face" with your eyes in the on-screen circles so the front-facing scanner can register your iris, something that may be awkward to do in a moving vehicle or while walking.
Reply 4 comments

Forget texting! (Score: 2, Insightful)

by bryan@pipedot.org on 2016-07-28 16:46 (#1NS6F)

something that may be awkward to do in a moving vehicle
Hopefully, one doesn't try to unlock their phone via iris scanner while driving... Sounds even worse than trying to text while driving.

how is this a step forward (Score: 0)

by Anonymous Coward on 2016-07-29 00:52 (#1NTGM)

they unlock my phone with my eye at the border because taking a picture in public is legal?

Re: how is this a step forward (Score: 1)

by evilviper@pipedot.org on 2016-07-29 12:52 (#1NW1N)

Ideally you use an iris (or fingerprint) scan as one part of two-factor authentication.

Somebody who finds-out your password isn't likely to have your iris handy, and somebody who can borrow your iris or finger isn't going to also know your password.

Re: how is this a step forward (Score: 0)

by Anonymous Coward on 2016-07-30 16:03 (#1NZNH)

So we can look forward to border security taking photos of people's eyes now. Time to switch to contacts.