Most modern smartphones and tablets offer basic security features such as an option to require a PIN code, or gestured to unlock a device. Some even feature facial recognition software or fingerprint readers. So what’s next? Iris scans.
Alcatel OneTouch and Iritech plan to show off a tablet with iris recognition features at Mobile World Congress.
The tablet features a camera module and IR LED for scanning your eyeballs, and IriTech’s software.
Alcatel says the technology could be used to lock or unlock a device or control access to encrypted data on a tablet. It could eventually be used as a security measure for mobile finance or other activities where a simple password might not be good enough. Biometric security might not be something that most casual users need, but it could come in handy for enterprise tablet customers.
The companies say the tablet they’ll be showing off is just a prototype. But if it proves popular with MWC attendees, it might not be too long before iris recognition joins other security features on upcoming tablets.
Oh sure it’s all fun and secure until someone loses an eye…