Google Pixel 11 could feature the one thing Apple has that Android can't compete with — what we know

Google Pixel 10 Magic Cue AI feature — (Image credit: Future)

It appears that Google is working on a new, more advanced alternative to Face ID that could help the Google Pixel 11 and other Android phones catch up to Apple’s iPhone.

Android Authority reported on an anonymous source that claims Google is working on the so-called “Project Toscana,” which is said to be the company's latest attempt to create advanced facial recognition on phones. The source claims that Google recently tested Toscana with UX testers, and that the feature was used on a Pixel phone with a single-hole-punch camera, as well as on two Chromebooks with external cameras.

The report goes on to state that the tests were performed under various lighting conditions, with results similar to those of Apple’s iPhone. Unfortunately, it’s not confirmed what tech is being used for the new facial recognition system. The most likely possibility is that Google may implement infrared (IR) technology, which hasn’t appeared on a Pixel phone since the Google Pixel 4.

What is the difference between Google and Apple facial recognition?

Face ID on iPhone — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

While face unlock has been a part of both Google and Android phones for a while, the feature never quite reached the same level of functionality as we saw on the best iPhones.

Apple’s iPhones make use of what is called the TrueDepth camera system, which projects over 30,000 invisible IR dots onto the user's face. These dots are used to create a 3D depth map of the face for the phone. Then, an IR flood illuminator makes sure that the scan can capture and scan your face in both bright lights and in darkness.

In comparison, Google Pixel 7s and above use a combination of the front camera and machine learning to create a 3D model of your face, which is then stored on the device. In comparison, Apple's design is often more accurate, especially in low light, and tends to be much faster. Not only that, Apple’s phones are better able to react to changes to your face, like growing a moustache, than Google and other Android phones can manage.

There’s still a lot that we don’t know about Project Toscana, although there were rumors that Google was working on under display IR camera for the Pixel. It’s worth noting that, even though the leaker stated that they used a device with a punch hole camera, the Chromebook's circuitry and motherboard were exposed, so it’s doubtful that these are the final designs.

Google hasn't confirmed when the Pixel 11 will be released, but if the past few years are any indication, we should be seeing it towards the end of summer. In the meantime, let us know what you would like to see from the phone in the comments.

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Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer.

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