Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Iris Scanner Setup Leaked, Long List Of Limitations Revealed

Numerous reports already suggest that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 7 is likely to feature a new biometric security measure called the “iris scanner,” incorporated into the handset. More images of the Galaxy Note 7’s iris scanner setup have leaked online, raising questions about a long list of situations in which the feature may not properly work.

According to Samsung’s usage warnings for the iris scanner, users will have to hold the handset about 10 inches to 14 inches away from their face with the screen facing toward them. Users will also have to position their eyes in the circles displayed on the device’s screen.

The leaked images, obtained by Android Authority, showed that the “Lock screen and security” settings page on the Galaxy Note 7 will have a new option below “Fingerprints,” called “Irises.” Once the user taps “Irises,” a disclaimer will pop up, running through a long list of limitations of the iris scanner.

According to the disclaimer, users who wear glasses or contact lenses might face problems while unlocking the device because the iris scanner may not be able to properly verify their identity. The company also apparently recommends users not to use the sensor in direct sunlight or low-light conditions.

In addition, the iris scanner may not function properly if the user has had eye surgeries such as LASIK, LASEK, intraocular lens implant and iris scar treatment. The iris scanner’s performance could also be affected if the user has an eye disease.

All these limitations can turn into a major setback for a new feature, which is expected to be the biggest selling point of the Galaxy Note 7, SamMobile reported. If the iris scanner indeed turns out to be limited, it will not be more than a novelty for many people.

The iris scanner is expected to prove really useful as a new biometric security measure that will be much better than the existing fingerprint sensors.

However, it’s unlikely that Samsung will ditch the existing fingerprint scanner in favor of an iris scanner so soon. Instead, the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 could feature the iris scanner along with a fingerprint scanner embedded inside its home button.

The images leaked to Android Authority also showed the S Pen Air Command menu with familiar options for Action Memo, S Note and Screen Write. There is a new option on the Air Command menu called “Glance,” as well as a new feature to record sections of the screen and create GIFs.

The Galaxy Note 7 is expected to be powered by the company’s own Exynos 8893 processor in developing markets and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 821 processor in bigger markets like the U.S.

Other likely features and specifications of the device include a 5.7-inch QHD curved Super AMOLED display, a USB Type-C port on the bottom, 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 64GB/128GB/256GB of storage, a large 4,000mAh battery, an upgraded S-Pen with improved Bluetooth LE hardware, a 12-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel secondary camera and IP68 certification.

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Note 7 on Aug. 2 during an event named “7 Unpacked.” The event will be held in New York City at 11 a.m. EDT and there will also be satellite events taking place simultaneously in London and Rio de Janeiro.