Google is reportedly working on a new facial recognition system called “Project Toscana” to improve security on Pixel phones and Chromebooks. Early prototypes are being tested in Mountain View, California, in various lighting conditions, according to Android Authority.
Sources claim Project Toscana performs as quickly as Apple’s Face ID and works reliably even in low-light environments. This could mark a major upgrade for Android users, who have faced challenges with Google’s existing face unlock technology.
Google previously experimented with radar and IR sensors for the Pixel 4, but the company later shifted to camera-based face unlock. Starting with the Pixel 8, Google enhanced authentication for payments and secure apps, yet the feature still struggles in darker settings. Project Toscana may address this long-standing issue.
Reports suggest Google is exploring IR-based solutions for future Pixel devices, possibly beginning with the Pixel 11. Details remain uncertain, including whether the system will require a display hole or continue using the standard hole-punch camera.
This development comes shortly after the launch of the Pixel 10a, a $499 mid-range device powered by the Tensor G4 processor. While the 10a offers modest improvements like a flatter back, brighter display, and better durability, it does not feature upgraded biometric technology. Project Toscana is unlikely to appear on this budget-friendly model.
Analysts say Google’s renewed focus on advanced facial recognition demonstrates its ambition to finally deliver an Android alternative to Face ID. If successful, Project Toscana could make Pixel devices more competitive in biometric security, combining speed, reliability, and low-light performance.
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Industry watchers are closely monitoring Google’s next steps, as the company seeks to enhance user security while maintaining convenience. Pixel users can expect this technology on upcoming flagship devices rather than mid-range models, signaling a major shift in Google’s approach to face authentication.
