Google skips Project Toscana in Pixel 11

A leak from tipster Mystic Leaks indicates that Google will not include Project Toscana, its advanced infrared-based face unlock system, in the upcoming Pixel 11 series due to the feature not being ready for release.

The Pixel 11 lineup, expected later this year, had been anticipated as the debut platform for Project Toscana. Earlier testing on Pixel phones and Chromebooks showed the system matching the speed of Apple's Face ID while performing reliably in low-light conditions. The technology reportedly employs hybrid near-infrared sensors, potentially integrated under the display, to enable secure facial recognition without additional visible hardware. This would address key limitations of the current camera-based face unlock on Pixel 8, 9, and 10 models, which struggles in the dark despite software improvements for payments and app logins.

Google has not officially confirmed Project Toscana or commented on the delay. The company previously equipped the Pixel 4 series in 2019 with dedicated infrared cameras and a radar sensor for 3D facial recognition. That system supported unlocking in various orientations and secure transactions but faced issues, including unintended unlocks...