Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology was once a concept of the future. The idea of a device reading your face to perform certain functions was preposterous, impossible and far too technologically advanced. Today, facial recognition is seen in everyday devices, such as Apple’s latest iPhone models. This technology has evolved to be used for security, entertainment and convenience.

The facial recognition used by Apple was made possible through the use of the TrueDepth camera in its devices. The camera is able to recognize face data by projecting and analyzing 30,000+ invisible dots onto the face. This creates a depth map of the face and captures an infrared image of the face. The bionic chips within the device converts the depth map and infrared image into a mathematical representation, which gets compared to the saved facial data of the device user (Apple, 2018).

Originally, the FaceID technology was used as an alternate way to unlock the iPhone, instead of the archaic 4-digit passcode or the newer TouchID fingerprint recognition. All the user has to do is hold the iPhone in front of their face and they are in. Many applications in the Apple App Store began taking advantage of this new feature. Users are now able to log into apps on their iPhone with the facial recognition technology. This technology creates convenience for people, there is no more need for remembering passwords and it recognizes and unlocks almost instantly with minimal effort, “With Face ID, ‘your face is your password.’” (Stark, 2018).

The face recognition technology was mastered for the use of security and convenience, but it did not stop there. Today, the technology is similarly used as a means for entertainment. The TrueDepth camera in the Apple devices allows iPhone users to transform their face into selected animated avatars. The animated avatars are coined “Animojis”. “Animojis” track more than 50 muscle movements, which allows for a new and advanced way for people to communicate and express their feelings to other iPhone users (Stark, 2018).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GUc4FewMjk

As technology continues to develop, so will its uses. Technology was once a luxury and a concept of the future, however, in modern times it is seen everywhere. Companies, like Apple, who are able to capitalize on this type of advanced technology are gaining a competitive advantage over other companies. The implementation of “Animojis” seems like a silly reason to purchase a new iPhone, but it’s the technology behind the “Animojis” that attract the iPhone customers. The idea of owning the markets most cutting-edge technology infatuates consumers.

Every time a new generation of devices comes out, it always seems like there cannot possibly be anything else to add to the next device, until the next generation is released and consumers are once again blown away. The ever changing development of technology keeps people on their toes and looking towards the future. Growing up in the technological era has shown me that anything is possible. Concepts of the past have been made a modern reality right before my eyes.

References

1. Stark, Luke. “Facial recognition, emotion and race in animated social media.” First Monday [Online], 23.9 (2018): n. pag. Web. 26 Sep. 2018. (http://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/9406/7572)
2. Apple. “About Face ID Advanced Technology.” IPhone Service Pricing – Apple Support, 20 Sept. 2018. (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208108)