One of the main features of the iPhone X was front-camera TrueDepth, which powers Face ID. But it works so-so - to confirm this, we collected 10 problems with the face scanner.

1. Face ID doesn't work in landscape mode

The first owners of the iPhone X note that Face ID does not work in landscape orientation. If you intentionally or accidentally turn your smartphone over, you will not be able to unlock it using your face.

This feature makes the face scanner not as convenient a solution as the fingerprint sensor, which works in any position of the device in space.

This also makes Face ID in its current form completely unsuitable for use in the future. iPad generations. It’s likely that something similar won’t appear on tablets until Face ID 2.

2. Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose and mouth

The face scanner, which operates on the basis of the TrueDepth front camera, is based on machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.

With the help of them, it is constantly improving and after a month of use it recognizes you in almost any form - with or without clothes, after a stormy night and with a week’s stubble.

However, as a rule of thumb, Face ID needs to see your eyes, nose, and mouth for it to work. For example, if the latter is covered with a scarf, the face scanner simply will not recognize you.

3. Face ID will definitely blind you in bright sunlight

Touch ID does not work with wet or even just damp hands, or with gloves in winter. This makes the fingerprint sensor useless in some use cases.

Face ID has similar weaknesses. For example, a face scanner may be blinded by bright sunlight shining on it from a certain angle.

You can deal with this by changing the angle of the device and the position of your head. However, certain difficulties may definitely be associated with this.

4. Face ID does not recognize small children< 12 лет

Not long ago, a warning about the operation of Face ID appeared on the official Apple website, which is most directly related to the safety of using the face scanner.

Surprisingly, TrueDepth today cannot cope with recognizing children under 12 years old - at this age they are too similar to each other.

Of course, the percentage of iPhone users of this age is unlikely to be very large, but the situation itself looks strange - it turns out that Face ID can literally be deceived by a child.

5. Face ID doesn't always handle twins

As it turns out, Face ID can be wrong not only with small children, but also with twins. If you have an identical brother or sister, stay away from them.

As the experiences of Western journalists show, technology really does not distinguish some twins - however, this does not always happen.

It has not yet been possible to identify a pattern, but Face ID can distinguish even the most similar ones to our eyes, but confuses others. More likely, digital map faces are not created in the usual way.

6. Face ID will not save additional users

While I was still using Touch ID, my iPhone had not only a couple of my fingers, but also the prints of my wife and father - just in case something happened.

With Face ID, such a system will not work even if you want to. The scanner built into the iPhone X can only save one face - this is its main limitation.

However, this won't stop you from telling everyone you need the password to your iPhone X in case emergency situation. Maybe this is for the best.

7. Face ID really wants to see the eyes on you

Western journalists have already noted that Face ID sometimes works strangely. In some cases, it doesn't work until it sees your gaze on itself.

They emphasize that at times you have to look not even at the screen, but directly at the TrueDepth front camera module. Otherwise it doesn't want to work.

As a result, it turns out that the iPhone X thinks that it is not its owner who is looking at it, and prompts you to enter a password. This is incredibly annoying.

8. Face ID can be disabled for security

Oh, by the way, similarly to Touch ID, Face ID is sometimes disabled for security reasons - in particular, if the scanner was unable to recognize your face five times in a row.

A similar situation occurs after rebooting the iPhone X, remote blocking via Find iPhone, and also after using the SOS signal.

In addition, the iPhone X will ask you to enter a passcode instead of using Face ID if the smartphone has been locked for 48 hours or the scanner has not been used in the last 4 hours.

9. Face ID is not needed to protect your data

We have already written that biometric data protection technologies are not needed to make your iPhone noticeably more secure - no.

They are necessary for ease of authentication on the device. Entering your password every time is difficult. But putting your finger on it is a piece of cake.

However, both Touch ID and Face ID are much easier to fool than the number pad for entering a password. In the first case, a rubber finger model is suitable for this, in the second - a twin.

10. Face ID is much slower than Touch ID

If you compare the speed of Touch ID in iPhone 8 and Face ID in iPhone X, it becomes clear that the face scanner is noticeably slower than the fingerprint sensor.

And this is not surprising, because to this day Touch ID has survived several generations of the iPhone and today has become noticeably faster and safer.

Of course, in a couple of years, Face ID will definitely lose most of its shortcomings, but today it cannot be denied that it certainly has them.

ABOUT functionality The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have already been talked about a lot. The new flagship iPhone X has only one more or less serious innovation that is worth attention. This is Face ID technology - it has become the key feature of the new flagship from Apple. Function wireless charging, a cool AMOLED screen (purchased from Samsung), as well as water resistance and a dual-module camera (telephoto + wide-angle) we will not count, since there is absolutely nothing new here. It is Face ID – face scanning technology – that has become the “highlight” of the new flagship. And, of course, CPU Apple A11 Bionic – its capabilities made it possible to implement this technology. However, it is also used in iPhone 8 and iPhone 8+.

What kind of technology is Face ID?

This system can recognize the owner’s face. After identification, it is possible to unlock the phone or, for example, pay for a purchase with using Apple Pay in the AppStore or iTunes services.

Essentially, the new “feature” Face ID has replaced Touch ID (fingerprint scanner), and now the owner’s face is the password to unlock the smartphone.

The operation of this technology is based on three main elements:

1. Projector – creates a projection on the owner’s face consisting of more than 30,000 points. This creates a unique face map. The developers claim that the probability of creating identical face maps from two different people is 1 in 1,000,000.
2. IR emitter – allows the scanner to recognize a person’s face even in the dark.
3. IR camera – reads the structure, thanks to which an image of the IR spectrum is created. It is subsequently converted into a mathematical model.

Protection against accidental recognition

It is worth highlighting one important detail: the phone recognizes a face only if the owner looks directly into the camera. If he looks away, the system will remain blocked. Consequently, the phone recognizes the owner's gaze.

Some people think that you can deceive technology using a photograph, but in reality this is not the case. The system is protected from fraud, and neither masks nor photographs will be able to unlock the device, if only because of a completely different face card and its mathematical model(you need exactly three-dimensional image). The only person who can unlock the phone is the owner's twin brother.

By the way, a video recently appeared where a Korean clearly demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the new smartphone protection. It turns out that Face ID protection can be bypassed using a mask:

This means that the smartphone does not actually understand whether a real person is in front of it or not. And although the developer stated that the technology can determine the owner’s gaze and should not react to inanimate objects, the video clearly shows that Face ID protection is removed using a mask that follows the structure of the owner’s face.

Also, company representatives claim that the technology can adapt to changes in a person’s appearance. Growing a mustache and beard, dyeing your hair, piercing - all this will not entail any difficulty in unlocking your phone. He will even be able to recognize his owner wearing sunglasses, but not all of them.

If the camera reads the wrong code twice and Face ID unlocking does not work, the system will ask you to enter a password.

About security

Some users believe that Apple, through facial scanning, can collect data about the owners and store it somewhere. At the request of the US government, this data may be transferred to intelligence agencies.

As the developers themselves assure, Apple does not collect or use user biometric data in any way. This is simply impossible. When scanning, the face card is converted into a mathematical code, which is stored in the device’s memory. This code cannot be converted back to an image. It is used to compare new codes (new persons), nothing more. The mathematical code itself does not leave the boundaries of the smartphone and is not recorded anywhere.

However, this is just an explanation from Craig Fediriga, the company's vice president of software development. I want to believe him, because it seems completely logical. In addition, Craig Fedirigi promised to publish a document on the security of this function soon.

Conclusion

The new Face ID technology can be called revolutionary. It really works well and is a reliable way to protect your smartphone. Another thing is that it is not suitable for most people who simply do not need such protection. Well, the thief was unable to unlock the phone with his face. Then the system asks him for a password. And how is this different from the good old security of the very first iPhone 3, where you also had to enter a code to unlock? And if you consider that in new iPhone X there are no other “chips”, then the vaunted Face ID against the backdrop of such huge hype and high price phone looks boring.

Please rate the article:

- this is great. Yes, the technology is slower than Touch ID, but when it works properly, you don't even notice it. In a way, it's like magic. And this is still the first generation of the system. Remember how slow the first generation Touch ID was? So it has its own nuances and bugs, like any other new technology.

Face ID works great 90% of the time. If the remaining 10% really upsets you, try following the tips listed below. They may make Face ID work better for you.

1. Don't wait for the castle animation

If you just stare at the locked screen and wait for the lock animation to complete, the unlocking process will take a very long time.

Here's what to do instead: Immediately swipe up from the bottom of the screen, and by the time the home screen opens, your phone will be unlocked. Face ID is designed so that you don't notice it at all. And usually it is.

After a week of tests, we can say for sure that this unlocking method is the fastest.

Perhaps Apple is trying to save battery in this way, but if you just look at the screen and do nothing, the phone rarely unlocks itself.

2. Quick method: touch and swipe in one motion

The fastest method of using Face ID is using tap wakeup. You don't even have to reach for the side button to activate the screen.

If your phone is lying on the table, or the display doesn't turn on when you pick it up, simply tap the bottom of the screen and immediately swipe up. You will unlock your phone very quickly.

3. HoldiPhoneon distance 25-50 cm

Face ID works best if you hold the phone at a distance of 25-50cm from your face. If this is too far for you, move your phone closer or change the angle. When you're lying in bed and holding your smartphone too close to your face, the technology is unlikely to work.

The easiest thing to do if the authentication attempt fails is not to change the angle, but simply move the phone further away from your face or vice versa.

4. Keep your sensors cleanTrueDepth

Over time, the area of ​​the screen where the sensors are located (the notch) may become covered in dust. Especially if you carry your phone in a case. Wipe the display with a microfiber cloth from time to time.

5. Disable recognition attention

If you often have to unlock your phone without looking at it: in the car, when it's on the table, etc., turn off attention recognition.

Go to Settings -> Basic -> Universal access -> Face ID and password code and disable the option Demand attention ForFace ID.

Now Face ID will work even when you are not looking at the display. However, this increases the risk that someone else can break into your phone while you're sleeping or just not looking at it.

6. Avoid sun protection points

Some sunglasses block the infrared light that Face ID uses for attention recognition. If you often wear such glasses due to work, then it is better to disable this function (discussed above).

7. Avoid sunny Sveta

Direct Sun rays prevent Face ID from working properly, like any other camera. If you are trying to unlock your phone outside, turn around so that the sunlight does not shine on either the camera or your face.

8. After an unsuccessful attempt enter password

If Face ID authentication fails, do not try again, but instead enter your password. When you enter your password, Face ID learns and remembers your face.

9. Enable notification previews on your lock screen

For many people, Face ID doesn't work very well when the lock screen is open. If you immediately swipe the screen, everything works fine. In this regard, problems arise. For example, the inability to quickly see the content of your notifications on the lock screen.

To solve the problem, go to Settings -> Notifications -> Show thumbnails -> Always.

Now you don't need to use Face ID to view the contents of notifications.

10. Reset settingsFace ID

The last salvation is to reset all Face ID settings. This will remove all data about your face.

Smartphone manufacturers are constantly trying to figure out how to improve the security of user data. Several years ago, smartphones introduced the ability to unlock the device using fingerprints, and now face unlocking is being actively introduced. Today we will talk about Face ID and answer questions such as: what is Face ID, why is this technology needed and how to set it up.

What is Face ID on iPhone and iPad

Face ID technology became available on the iPhone X last year and on iPad Pro in that. It has replaced it and is a way to unlock the device by scanning your face. One glance towards the front is enough iPhone cameras or iPad so that Face ID works and the device is unlocked.

Face ID completely replaces Touch ID, and is used in all situations in which fingerprint scanning was previously used:

• Unlocking the device;
• Authorization of purchases in the App Store;
• Apple Pay payment confirmation;

Face ID is currently available on devices such as: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation) and iPad Pro (11-inch).

How Face ID works

Face ID is not a front-facing camera, it's a separate TrueDepth camera system. The sensors project more than 30,000 points onto the face, thanks to which a structural map of the face and an image in the infrared spectrum are compiled. This way you can unlock your device even in the dark.

Face ID technology for unlocking your device works when you pick up the gadget or unlock it by touching the screen, as well as when you receive notifications. The response time, especially in 2018 devices (iPhone XS, XS MAX, iPad Pro), is almost instantaneous, but there is still a slight delay. However, when used it is almost invisible and does not cause discomfort.

Face ID adapts to changes in appearance, be it makeup or stubble. She will also be able to recognize the owner if he is wearing sunglasses, a scarf, a hat or contact lenses. Although, if you “registered a person” with a long beard and decided to shave it off, the iPhone or iPad will ask you to enter a password to confirm your identity. If the password is correct, the system will update the data and you will continue to unlock the device as before.

To pay for purchases using Apple Pay and Face ID, you need to double-tap the side button. The Face ID scanner will launch. After successful completion, touch the device to the terminal to make a payment. As you can see, the process is no different from paying using Touch ID.

How to set up Face ID

You are prompted to set up Touch ID when you turn on the device for the first time. If you have not done this, then go to “Settings” - “Face ID and passcode”.

Tap Set Up Face ID. Hold the device vertically and move your head in a circle. A green circle will indicate which area is ready and which still needs to be scanned. Click Next and scan your face again.

Which is better Face ID or Touch ID

Face ID is more secure than Touch ID. There are many ways to fake a fingerprint, but it is almost impossible to fake a face (a photo on paper will not fool Face ID). In addition, if the owner of the device is sleeping and another person tries to bring the device to his face and unlock it, then he will fail, since the user must have his eyes open when unlocking (even if he is wearing sunglasses on top).

When we want to use a device, it usually looks at us, and Face ID automatically recognizes the owner. This is more convenient than applying your finger, which may not work because it is dirty or wet, or simply does not touch the scanner too well. And in winter, Face ID can easily unlock the device, but for Touch ID you will have to take off your gloves or enter a password.

The only negative is that if the device is lying somewhere on a table, your face does not fall into the field of view of the sensors. In this case more convenient than Touch ID.

As a result, Face ID wins in all respects: security and convenience, with the exception of rare situations.

More and more people became interested in a development called Face ID, which completely replaced the fingerprint scanner. But will this modification really be a serious competitor to the previous technology? Let's try to find out.

Principle of operation

Face ID technology is a system that can recognize a person by face. The main function is performed by a small camera located on the display. It is triggered when a person holds his phone in his hand, trying to unlock it and gain access to personal data.

If the person who was originally programmed into the system matches, then the sensor gives a positive response to the phone. Don’t be alarmed if the user’s hairstyle or beard suddenly changes its usual appearance. The iPhone system can handle even this difficult task.

Face ID features

Face ID performs many important tasks that are necessary for convenient use of a smartphone. In addition to blocking, using a face scanner you can:

• make payments through popular iPhone online stores;
• give permission to use personal data in applications or browsers.

A distinctive feature of Face ID is the limit on the number of faces. No one except the owner will be able to remove the lock.

Probability of error

Apple has assured its potential customers that the chance of error when unlocking a phone is a millionth of a percent. With Touch ID, the possibility of making a mistake was 25 times greater.

The facial recognition system cannot be fooled by printed photographs or facial models. All of these deception options were carefully foreseen by the developers when creating the technology.

System Features

There are a few things to keep in mind when using Face ID:

• the function will not work under sunlight;
• a child under 12 years old will be rejected by the system when trying to unlock a smartphone;
• A shutdown will occur if two unsuccessful unlock attempts are made.

Photo: Setting up Face ID

In general, the system copes quite well, but if we draw a conclusion from the work of Face ID, it is worth noting that errors still exist during operation. The percentage of successful actions is 98%, and for a company of this level this is a very bad indicator.

It is possible that an uninterrupted smartphone protection system using Face ID will soon be created, but in the current conditions this is almost impossible.