Google is reportedly working on a more advanced facial recognition system, internally codenamed Project Toscana, aimed at overcoming the low-light shortcomings of its current Face Unlock technology. An anonymous source has leaked a few details about the upcoming technology and how it could work.
Project Toscana could compete with Apple's Face ID
According to Android Authority's sources, Google is conducting user tests of Project Toscana in Mountain View with the aim of finally delivering an Android equivalent to Apple's Face ID. The technology seemingly uses advanced sensors, likely centred around IR technology, to develop a more secure unlocking feature.
The testing reportedly involved a Pixel prototype with a punch-hole cutout and a Chromebook using an external camera with exposed circuitry. This further strengthens the theory that the technology being used is IR, since it doesn't require a large working solution.
The reports also align with previous rumours that the Pixel 11 could feature under-display IR cameras for better security. Although Pixels won't be the only flagships featuring an IR scanner. Samsung is working on Polar ID for its Galaxy S27 series, which uses similar technology to unlock via facial information.
That said, this isn't the first time Google has been dabbling with Face ID or its equivalent technology. The Pixel 4 series featured 3D face unlock using radar and IR cameras, but the technological and space constraints led Google to abandon Project Soli.
Besides, Google's current lineup does feature face unlock, albeit not the most secure one. Pixel 7 was the first to get face unlock generally, but Google strengthened its machine learning algorithms to introduce a more secure face unlock from Pixel 8 through Pixel 10.
If the project remains on schedule, the technology is expected to debut with the Pixel 11 series later this August 2026. The initiative also appears to extend beyond mobile, challenging technologies like Windows Hello with a potential Chromebook rollout slated for sometime in 2026. More information about Project Toscana should be revealed soon.
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