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Google Reportedly Testing ‘Project Toscana’ for Face ID–Level Unlock on Pixels and Chromebooks

Reports describe a prototype targeting reliable face authentication in any lighting through a single hole‑punch design without extra visible sensors.

Overview

  • Android Authority reports that Google is developing a hardware upgrade for face unlock across Pixel phones and ChromeOS devices under the internal name Project Toscana.
  • A prototype reportedly matched iPhone Face ID speed in varied lighting and may rely on infrared technology despite having only one front camera cutout.
  • Testing was said to have taken place in Mountain View on a Pixel with a single hole‑punch and on Chromebook prototypes.
  • The effort follows Google’s shift from the Pixel 4’s IR array to camera‑based face unlock on the Pixel 7 and 8, which is less reliable in low light.
  • Google has not confirmed the project or any launch timeline, with separate rumors suggesting future Pixels could use under‑display IR support.