Google develops Face Active Illumination for Android 17

Code discovered in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 suggests that Google is developing a feature called ‘Face Active Illumination’ to improve facial recognition on Pixel devices in low-light environments.

Unlike systems that rely on dedicated infrared hardware, the code indicates a software-driven approach. This likely involves using the device's physical display to provide temporary illumination to capture a viable image for authentication. The feature appears to include granular user controls, such as intensity sliders and context-specific toggles for scenarios like ‘Bedtime’, ‘Driving’, and ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.

While technical implementation details remain partially obfuscated in the beta build, the presence of these specific parameters suggests a highly customizable solution for managing how and when the screen brightens to assist the Face Unlock process.