Here is Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy Note7’s Iris Scanner

The Galaxy Note7’s new iris scanning technology provides users with an additional form of authentication to reinforce security. But new technology can raise a lot of questions. Here is a list of FAQs to clarify anything you might have been wondering about the Galaxy Note7’s iris scanner.

Q. How do I save my iris data on the Galaxy Note7? Isn’t it difficult?

Registering your iris information is not only incredibly easy, but it’s fast, too. All you need to do is access the Irises tab from the Lock screen and security menu in Settings to register one or both of your irises.

Simply hold your device 25-35 centimeters from your face with the screen facing toward you, position your eyes in the circles shown on the screen and follow the prompts. In a matter of seconds, the iris sensor extracts your iris patterns, codes them into a digital form and saves them in the secure TrustZone of Knox. 

Q. Does the iris scanner work if I wear glasses or contact lenses? What about if I’ve had LASIK/LASEK surgery?

When you wear eyeglasses, reflected glare from surrounding lights may interfere with iris scanning and recognition. Also, if your lenses are very thick or have a special coating, scanning and recognition speed may be affected. This is also the case for tinted or decorative contact lenses. With sunglasses, the iris scanner does not work properly because sunglass lenses block IR light.

If you have undergone an eye operation like LASIK or LASEK, you will need to re-register your iris information on the device, as the operation may cause slight changes to your cornea and subsequently affect the refraction of light from the iris sensor to your eyes. Likewise, if your eyes are severely swollen or not completely open, the iris scanner may not be able to read your irises.

Q. Can I use the iris scanner anywhere? If the iris scanner can’t recognize my irises, how can I access my Galaxy Note7?

Using the iris scanner in direct sunlight or under bright light may affect the accuracy of the sensor. For maximum effectiveness, move to an area that is slightly shaded when using the iris scanner. A dirty iris camera can also affect the scanner’s reading, so in the case that it doesn’t work, try cleaning the area above the screen.

Additionally, you can unlock the device with an alternative method such as your fingerprint (if it is registered), a pattern, PIN or password. (You will also need to use your selected non-biometric alternative method when the device has been restarted or has been inactive for 24 hours.)

Q. What functions can I use with the iris scanner?

The Galaxy Note7’s iris recognition technology allows for all-around reinforced mobile security for functions such as unlocking your device, or verifying your identity in place of your Samsung account.
The device’s iris scanner can be used to activate Samsung Pass, a new feature that acts as a master key for mobile banking services and automatic website login on the Samsung Internet browser. You can also add another layer of security to value-added services like Samsung Pay, as well as safely complete mobile banking transactions or lock private data through Secure Folder.

For enterprise users, iris scanning technology can be utilized to authenticate access to the Knox Workspace container.

Q. Is iris scanning really safer than fingerprint scanning?

While fingerprint and iris authentication both provide a high level of security, iris scanning is one of the most secure and reliable biometric techniques available today. This is because each individual has a uniquely different and highly intricate iris pattern in each eye, which is almost impossible to replicate.

Furthermore, users can only register the iris pattern(s) of one person on each device, which means that even if the smartphone is stolen or lost and someone else is able to gain access to the smartphone, the user’s iris information won’t be compromised.

Lastly, iris scanning results in fewer false acceptances than fingerprint scanning, according to some studies.

Q. Where does the iris information get stored once it’s registered? Does it get processed safely? If I use it to login to a website, or for a mobile banking transaction, does it get saved on the server?

With the Galaxy Note7, registered iris data is stored safely in the hardware by Samsung’s trusted Knox platform, just as fingerprint data has been stored in the past.

This means that when iris data is used for user authentication for web log-in or Samsung Pay, for example, it is not in its raw form. Instead, it is digitized and encrypted as a code which is stored at the hardware level. Therefore, Knox provides an added level of security so users can be confident that their personal information is always safe.

Q. There’s a red light that flickers when I use the iris scanner. What is it, and isn’t it bad for my eyes?

This red light is an infrared LED, and it enables the best range for iris scanning to ensure maximum accuracy. It is completely safe to use and there are no health implications associated with the technology. It has even received the highest International Electrotechnical Commission IEC62471 certification level.

In addition, the light will automatically switch off if the device detects that your eyes are too close or exposed to the IR LED for more than nine seconds.



*All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Sony Walks Away With Five of The EISA 2016 Top Awards.

Recognising Sony’s success in delivering products that inspire and fulfil customer curiosity, the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) have honoured Sony with 5 awards in their 2016 round-up. As the largest editorial and multimedia organisation in Europe, the EISA committee carefully assess and evaluate a vast variety of technology categories and are consequently renowned for recognising true quality and innovation.

European Premium Compact Camera 2016-2017: RX1R II

As one of the world’s smallest full-frame cameras, the RX1R II delivers the highest picture quality of any Sony compact camera ever made. This is made possible by the combination of the camera’s high resolution 42.4 MP full-frame sensor with its large aperture, fixed focal length ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens, which was optimised to work in combination with the sensor. It also features the world’s first variable optical low-pass filter[i] providing stunning image quality with a wide dynamic range and very low noise. The Fast Hybrid AF system with advanced phase-detection and contrast-detection guarantees razor-sharp images and with the powerful BIONZ X processor you will never miss a precious moment. The retractable XGA OLED Tru-Finder[ii] and a tiltable LCD screen offers great freedom to capture creative compositions. This premium compact camera is a true winner in every aspect.

European Photo & Video Camera 2016-2017:α7S II

The α7S II provides professionals with the right tool to create top quality video and excellent still images in every shooting situation. Its 12.2-million-pixel[iii] full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor masters high sensitivity shooting, with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 409600[iv]. In addition, its high dynamic range, 5-axis image stabilisation, and internal recording of 4K movies[v] in full-frame format with full pixel readout, ensure that the professional videographer won’t have to make any compromise regarding image quality. The camera’s Fast Intelligent AF excels in speed and accuracy and guarantees stunning images with excellent sharpness even in the dark.

European Prosumer Compact System Camera 2016-2017: α6300

The α6300 retains the compact lightweight design of its popular sister model, the α6000, but adds lightning fast (0.05 seconds) hybrid autofocus with 425 AF points and subject tracking 4D focus, professional-class 4K video shooting and a weather-sealed body. The new 24.2-million pixel[vi] Exmor CMOS sensor provides excellent image quality even in poorly lit situations, along with superb video quality, while the tilting 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen and the bright 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder are able to keep track of fast moving subjects at up to 11 frames per second.

European Professional Compact System Lens 2016-2017: SEL85F14GM

The SEL85F14GM telephoto prime lens is a true asset to any ambitious portrait photographer. The optical design and the use of advanced lens elements ensure that the lens delivers the extremely high resolution demanded by modern cameras. The circular aperture with 11 blades provides a smooth and appealing background blur, while Sony’s original Nano AR Coating reduces flare and ghosting with backlit subjects. The ring drive SSM motor system with two position sensors supports fast and accurate autofocus. As is to be expected from a professional lens, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is dust and moisture resistant.

European In-Car HD Player 2016-2017: RSX-GS9

With its 1DIN housing and a rotary control, Sony’s RSX-GS9 may look like a classic and authentic head unit, but behind its stripped-down face plate this high resolution audio system is a cutting-edge sonic superstar. It offers support for up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM for various devices through USB Type A, 5.6MHz native DSD via USB micro-B for the connected digital high-resolution music players, while the optical output allows digital connection to an external DSP. Sony’s unique smartphone app “SongPal” allows users to search music tracks with no hassle, and offers easy adjustments in the detail of the sound on the smartphone screen so it can be customised exactly to the how the user desires. The use of the best available DAC, high-end op-amps and advanced circuitry ensure that the RSX-GS9‘s audio performance is nothing less than sensational. All of which means that the benefits of high-resolution music can finally be enjoyed from your dashboard.

Sony Finally Release the a6300 Firmware Update

Sony has finally release a Firmware Update for their highly popular a6300 mirrorless cameras that had some minor issues.

The new Firmware Update 1.10 will address over-heating issues and improve overall stability of the camera. This update is highly recommended for all a6300 owners. (Click here to download). 

Logitech Introduces The CREATE For iPad Pro 9.7

Today Logitech announced the CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The CREATE Keyboard Case is a toolkit that gives you everything you need to make the most of your iPad Pro; a protective case, backlit keyboard, and integrated holder for the Apple Pencil all in one lightweight package. Whether you are posting an update, watching a video, or drawing a sketch, CREATE empowers you to unleash your creativity and productivity wherever you go.

“CREATE is like the Swiss Army Knife of keyboard cases,” said Michele Hermann, vice president of tablet accessories at Logitech. “It puts all the tools you need at your fingertips, and the keyboard charges through the Smart Connector so you can just set your iPad Pro into a typing position and go. It brings typing on the iPad Pro to a whole new level."

Designed to work exclusively with Apple’s new Smart Connector, the CREATE Keyboard Case automatically powers on and pairs with your iPad Pro when placed in the typing position – no Bluetooth pairing needed. And because the backlit keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro, you never have to think about charging your keyboard again.

A special row of dedicated iOS shortcuts puts the commands at your fingertips, without ever taking them off the keyboard. You can get to the home screen, search your iPad and the web, adjust brightness, and control audio or video playback with one tap. And an integrated holder keeps your Apple Pencil within easy reach at all times so it is there when you need it.

With careful attention to color, materials and finish, the CREATE Keyboard Case design gives you all-around protection in a beautiful form. Custom-sculpted curves provide structural integrity to help protect your iPad Pro on the inside, while on the outside the tightly woven premium fabric resists bumps, scratches and spills.

Availability

The CREATE Keyboard Case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available today from Logitech and Apple for a suggested retail price of $129.99.

Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera vs. GoPro Hero 4 Comparison

This year the partner company of Xiaomi, Yi Technology, has introduced the second generation of sports cameras under the name Yi 4K Action Camera. Two major features of the novelty are the presence of the display on its rear face and the ability to record video in 4K format. Yi 4K Camera turned out interesting and functional, while due to its price and performance it can compete with GoPro Hero 4.

Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera looks more interesting than GoProHero 4, also it has three different housing variants to choose from — the device is presented in black, white and pink color. The new Xiaomi camera has a slightly larger size than GoPro, and it is 7 grams heavier — the weight of Yi 4K is 95 g, while the Hero 4 weighs 88 g.

Also, an undeniable advantage of Yi 4K Action Camera is the full-color display with a diagonal of 2.19 inches at its rear face. GoPro Hero 4 supports the installation of a removable external display, which is smaller and has a poorer resolution.

Both Action cameras have lenses with an ultra-wide f / 2. 8 aperture, but their components are different. The new solution from Xiaomi uses the more advanced chipset Ambarella A9S75, as well as the 12 megapixels Sony IMX377 camera module.

4K video recording

The average duration of 4K / 30fps video recording of GoPro Hero 4 is 1 hour 15 minutes; this rate decreases to 50 minutes when WiFi and wireless control are activated. Yi 4K Action Camera is able to continuously shoot 4K / 30fps video for 120 minutes (2 hours). GoPro Hero 4 can withstand 1 hour 50 minutes of video recording in 720p resolution at a rate of 120 frames per second (when WiFi is turned off).

Comparison of GoPro Hero 4 and Yi 4K Camera performance

The color quality of Yi 4K Action Camera is pretty high, while the frames made using GoPro Hero 4 look a bit faded and dull.

During the real test of endurance in the load mode (recording of 4K video to a memory card) Yi 4K Action Camera could operate continuously for 1 hour and 57 minutes, and the GoPro Hero 4 — only for 50 minutes.

Yi 4K Action Camera is a new word in the world of action cameras because this device is not only able to shoot the 4K video, but also does it qualitatively and continuously. The colors of video, recorded on Yi 4K Action Camera, are bright and vivid, and the duration of continuous 4K video recording on a single charge is about 2 hours.

Xiaomi has managed to beat the global brand GoPro in the battle for the sports segment of 4K cameras, since Xiaomi Yi 4K Camera offers more useful features at a lower cost: the high-quality touch screen, a reliable image stabilization, a record autonomy, as well as many other small bonuses like the connection to Apple and Android smartphones via the Yi Camera application.

Find More Details for both HERE

Samsung unveiled the World’s First Universal Flash Storage with capacity up to 256-Gigabyte (GB)

Samsung Electronics, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today unveiled the industry’s first removable memory cards based on the JEDEC Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 1.0 Card Extension Standard*, for use in high-resolution mobile shooting devices such as DSLRs, 3D VR cameras, action cams and drones. Coming in a wide range of storage capacities including 256, 128, 64 and 32 gigabyte (GB), Samsung’s UFS cards are expected to bring a significant performance boost to the external memory storage market, allowing much more satisfying multimedia experiences.

“Our new 256GB UFS card will provide an ideal user experience for digitally-minded consumers and lead the industry in establishing the most competitive memory card solution,” said Jung-bae Lee, senior vice president, Memory Product Planning & Application Engineering, Samsung Electronics “By launching our new high-capacity, high-performance UFS card line-up, we are changing the growth paradigm of the memory card market to prioritize performance and user convenience above all.”

Samsung’s new 256GB UFS removable memory card ─ simply referred to as the UFS card will provide greatly improved user experiences, especially in high-resolution 3D gaming and high-resolution movie playback. It provides more than five times faster sequential read performance compared to that of a typical microSD card, reading sequentially at 530 megabytes per second (MB/s) which is similar to the sequential read speed of the most widely used SATA SSDs. With this UFS card, consumers have the ability to read a 5GB, Full-HD movie in approximately 10 seconds, compared to a typical UHS-1 microSD card, which would take over 50 seconds with 95MB/s of sequential reading speed. Also, at a random read rate of 40,000 IOPS, the 256GB card delivers more than 20 times higher random read performance compared to a typical microSD, which offers approximately 1,800 IOPS.

When it comes to writing, the new 256GB UFS card processes 35,000 random IOPS, which is 350 times higher than the 100 IOPs of a typical microSD card, and attains a 170MB/s sequential write speed, almost doubling the top-end microSD card speed. With these substantial performance improvements, the new 256GB UFS card significantly reduces multimedia data downloading time, photo thumbnail loading time and buffer clearing time in burst shooting mode, which, collectively, can be particularly beneficial to DSLR camera users. To shoot 24 large/extra fine JPEG photographs (1,120 megabyte (MB)-equivalent) continuously with a high-end DSLR camera, the 256GB UFS card takes less than seven seconds, compared to a UHS-1 microSD card which typically takes about 32 seconds, at 35MB/s.

To achieve the highest performance and most power-efficient data transport, the UFS card supports multiple commands with command queuing features and enables simultaneous reading and writing through the use of separately dedicated paths, doubling throughput.

As the leading memory storage provider, Samsung has been aggressive in preparing UFS solutions for the marketplace, while contributing to JEDEC standardization of the Universal Flash Storage 2.0 specification in September 2013 and the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 1.0 Card Extension standard in March 2016. 

Following its introduction of the industry-first 128GB embedded UFS chip in January 2015, the company successfully launched a 256GB embedded UFS memory for high-end mobile devices in February of this year. As of earlier this month, Samsung also completed the Universal Flash Storage Association** (UFSA)’s certification program that evaluates electrical and functional specifications for compatibility of a UFS card, and Samsung’s new UFS card products were approved as UFSA-certified UFS cards with the right to use the official UFS logo for the first time in the industry.

Sony announced the ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV, the next generation in television display technology with the ability to reproduce deeper black and the brighter lights and the colour of the real world. The new flagship Z series takes the lead atop Sony’s current line-up of premium 4K HDR TVs, which includes the award winning XD93 and XD94. The new “Z” moniker designates a significant leap forward and the ultimate in display technology. With this advance Sony brings 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) to a new level with ultra-contrast and even more realistic, accurate colour, in order to express what the content creators really intended.

This new ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV features a newly developed 4K image processor, the 4K HDR Processor X1™ Extreme, and a unique backlight technology, Backlight Master Drive™, to attain extraordinary contrast and extremely accurate wide colour expression. It offers an even more impressive visual experience with more depth, texture and realism on the screen than was previously possible.

The new 4K Processor X1 Extreme was developed in order to provide the ultimate 4K HDR visual experience. It is further refined with 40% more real-time image processing as compared with Sony’s renowned 4K Processor X1™. By incorporating three new technologies – object-based HDR remaster, dual database processing, and Super Bit Mapping™ 4K HDR, it brings any 4K HDR content to a whole new level.

By analysing images in each scene and correcting colour and contrast of each object individually, object-based HDR remaster can reproduce scenes with the detailed texture and the appearance of real life. This technology also up-scales standard dynamic range HD content to near 4K HDR quality.

On top of the current up-scaling database, 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme has an additional Sony-exclusive database for noise reduction. By searching through thousands of picture patterns, the dual database processing removes unwanted noise and up-scales every image to a super clear 4K image.

Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR creates a smoother, natural picture. With 14-bit powerful signal processing, it breaks up the solid bands of colour of 8-bit (FHD) or 10-bit (4K) source, up-converting 14-bit equivalent gradation with 64 times more colour levels. It delivers graceful reproduction of faces, sunsets and other areas of subtle colour gradation.

With these three technologies, 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme reproduces a wide variety of content with immersive 4K HDR picture quality.

Additionally, the new ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV has adopted the Backlight Master Drive technology which Sony introduced as a prototype at CES 2016. The Backlight Master Drive is a precision backlight boosting technology which allows it to expand brightness and contrast even further in order to truly tap the full potential of 4K HDR. The Backlight Master Drive combines a dense LED structure with a super accurate lighting algorithm and unique optical design.

Previously, local dimming was controlled in zones consisting of several LEDs. In combination with the latest accurate lighting algorithm, the discrete LED control of Backlight Master Drive is able to dim and boost each LED individually. This innovative algorithm delivers total precision for unparalleled contrast and realism.

The unique optical structure with a calibrated beam LED design gathers the emitted LED light in a spot and focuses the drive area more precisely to display higher contrast. This also reduces light diffusion and the flare effect that can be seen on other full-array LED TVs.

Backlight Master Drive delivers unprecedented dynamic range with incredibly deep blacks and dazzling lights for scenes that look more real than ever before, unleashing the full potential of 4K HDR content.

But the viewing experience goes beyond just the screen. ZD9 has a slate design that encapsulates the ultimate experience. From the front, the design exudes sophistication in the form of a simple black slate, letting viewers immerse themselves in the stunning power of 4K HDR. From the back, the design keeps all the cables completely concealed, ensuring that the device strikes an elegant look from any angle.

ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV also runs on Android TV™ with Sony’s exclusive user interface. From live TV broadcasting to Internet video services, the new seamless user interface Content bar includes enhanced content navigation along with voice search. The new Content bar features genre filtering function (*availability depends on region). Instead of selecting a programme from bunch of channels, users can easily choose from favourite genre such as sports, music, news, and so on.

ZD9 Series (65”, 75” and 100” models) BRAVIA 4K HDR TV

• 4K HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and vibrant colour via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port.
• Features New 4K HDR Processor X1™ Extreme to improve clarity, colour accuracy and contrast of HD, 4K and 4K HDR videos. It incorporates three new technologies: object-based HDR remaster, dual database processing, and Super Bit Mapping™ 4K HDR, bringing your 4K HDR content to whole new level.
• Features Backlight Master Drive™ with a dense LED structure, a super accurate lighting algorithm that gathers the emitted LED lights in a spot and focuses drive area more narrowly to display ultra-higher contrast.
• Includes X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO to produce better contrast by precisely balancing the light output across the screen, dimming some areas and boosting others. It reveals a brightness range three times that of a conventional LED-backlight TV, and it enhances any source to near HDR quality with a wider range of brightness.
• Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS™ Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
• Uses 4K X-Reality™ PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
• Clean cable management for table top mount.
• 100” comes with floor stand/table-top stand. 75”/65” come with table-top stand only.
• Android TV™ lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. 
• Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Google Cast™, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play™, you can enjoy what you like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from your TV.
• Sony’s exclusive Content bar user interface allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.