Xiaomi has released its 367th-week MIUI custom ROM update, and it adds new Face Unlock feature for two 2017 flagship models. The Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2 reportedly received face unlock feature with the rollout of this update. This comes on heels of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro getting the Face Unlock feature soon after its launch. The device got the feature as part of the MIUI 9.2 Nightly build meant for the closed beta testers. Similar to Redmi Note 5 Pro, the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2 will utilise the front selfie camera for skin complexion recognition. This technology, however, is less secure compared to the 3D depth of field recognition and iris recognition.
Apparently, Xiaomi's Facial Unlock is prone to misuse as persons will similar facial appearances with you can unlock your smartphone with this feature.
In order to get Face Unlock feature on the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2, users will need to update their devices to latest MIUI version via OTA update. Upon successful installation of the update, the feature can be found under “Setting” - “Lock screen, password and fingerprint”. Over here users have to tap “Add face data”. But at the moment, the Face Unlock seems to be limited to Chinese MIUI 9 ROM itself.
With the addition of “Face Unlock”, the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2 users have the option of fingerprint unlock, facial recognition, pattern, password, and PIN to block access to their private data on the smartphone. The official Xiaomi MIUI forum has more details as regards to this new feature and others that will be rolled out through an OTA update.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi upcoming flagship, the Mi 7 may debut with facial recognition technology onboard as per recent rumours. The phone was earlier supposed to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress but was shelved. This shelving has been attributed to the delay in procuring new sensors for advanced facial recognition, similar to Apple’s Face ID.
Xiaomi also seeks to bring in-display fingerprint scanner to its top line Mi 7 and Mi Mix 2S. A Weibo leak suggested the Mi 7 will feature top-end specs like in-display fingerprint sensor, Snapdragon 845 SoC, 6GB and 8GB RAM options and vertically stacked dual camera module. In addition, a leaked render of Mi Mix 2S on Chinese website showed the device with a fingerprint scanner under the display. The Mi Mix 2S is launching in China on March 27.
