Overview

Google Pixel phones already have fingerprint sensors and basic face unlock. Google is making it even better. There are rumors about “Project Toscana” which’s a new facial recognition system that Google is working on for upcoming Pixel smartphones and Chromebooks. This new system is going to be a lot like Apples Face ID and it will fix one of the problems: it does not work well in low light.

What We Know About Project Toscana

Android Authority got some information from someone who works at Google. They said that Google has been testing this new face unlock system in Mountain View. They tried it out on a Pixel phone with a hole-punch selfie camera and two Chromebooks with external cameras. The best part is that it works as fast as Face ID even in very bright or very dark light. It seems like Google is using technology but they have not said anything about it yet.

The face unlock system on Pixel phones has gotten a lot better but it is still not perfect. The Pixel 4 tried to use 3D mapping with radar and infrared. Google stopped using it after that. The Pixel 7 improved the software for recognizing faces with the camera but it did not work with payments. Newer models like the Pixel 8 can handle Google Pay and banking apps better. They still have problems in low light. Project Toscana is going to fix this problem. It will give people a way to unlock their devices that is reliable and secure no matter where they are.

Evolution of Face Unlock on Pixels

Google started working on face unlock with the Pixel 4 which had a motion-sensing Secure Face Unlock system. But people were worried about privacy and the hardware was too big so Google stopped using it. Recent Pixel phones use the selfie cameras machine learning to recognize faces, which works in good light but not in low light. This new system might use sensors to make a map of the face which would make it impossible to fool and would work in many different situations like Face ID but it would be designed for Android devices.

When Can We Expect It?

The Pixel 11 series might get Project Toscana this year, which would give Googles flagship phones a big advantage. Chromebooks might get it too by the end of 2026. People should pay attention to Google I/O on May 19-20 because that is when Google usually announces things and they might show off Project Toscana. If it comes out it will be a deal for people who want to unlock their devices without using passwords.

Why This Matters for Users

Imagine being able to unlock your phone or Chromebook easily as an iPhone even in the dark. For people who care about security this means they will be better protected against people trying to use photos or masks to unlock their devices. It will be more convenient for apps and payments. Google is trying to catch up with companies but Project Toscana might actually be better than what is already out there which is exciting for people who, like Pixel devices.