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Google’s ‘Project Toscana’ Reportedly Targets Face ID–Level Face Unlock for Pixel and Chromebooks

Anonymous testers report fast, low‑light performance on prototypes, with no confirmation from Google.

Overview

  • Android Authority’s report says Google is building a hardware upgrade for facial recognition on Pixel phones and ChromeOS under the codename Project Toscana.
  • Early testing in Mountain View allegedly matched iPhone Face ID for speed and worked reliably in dim environments as well as daylight.
  • Prototypes reportedly used a single hole‑punch camera on a Pixel and were also trialed on Chromebooks, pointing to an unobtrusive design.
  • Outlets note speculation about infrared or an under‑display IR system enabling low‑light authentication, though the exact implementation remains unconfirmed.
  • Coverage suggests a possible debut with the Pixel 11 lineup and future ChromeOS devices, reflecting a shift from recent camera‑only Pixel face unlock that has struggled in poor lighting.