If you had been waiting to find out what would be on offer with the next-generation Samsung Galaxy Note device, then that wait is now finally over. Earlier today Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 7 and with it, confirmed a number of the smartphone’s specs and features. In fact, it is rather surprising just how many of the specs and features that had been previously only rumors, were indeed correct.
One of those rumors which did turn out to be spot on was that the Galaxy Note 7 would come with an iris scanner included. Along with what is now becoming the industry-standard fingerprint scanner, Samsung is looking to up the security on offer with the Galaxy Note 7, by allowing users to make use of retina scans as a form of identification. While, this is all well and good, initial impressions of the technology are a little concerning as the iris scanner on the Galaxy Note 7 does not include support for a wide selection of apps. More accurately, not that many apps include support for the iris scanner. A problem which is occurring as a result of Samsung not yet making the iris scanner software available to third-party developers.
However, that does seem likely to change soon enough. New reports are detailing that Samsung has confirmed that they will open up the iris scanner software to third-party developers. According to the details, an API for the Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner will become available through the Samsung Pass Program, as part of the Samsung Developers portal. Once released this will allow third-party developers to include their integration and provide a much greater and wider level of support for what could be a very useful feature, on what will be a very popular smartphone. Although at the moment, there does not seem to be any confirmation on when the API will become available to developers, other than ‘soon’. That said, if you are thinking of picking up the Galaxy Note 7 and were concerned about the actual usability of the iris scanner, it would seem that it will become more useful as time goes on and once developers gain access to that API.