iPhone 8 camera to feature 'SmartCam' scene recognition mode

Apple has always been widely recognised as the pioneer of many mobile technologies, bringing innovative and disruptive concepts to reality. And now with the upcoming launch of the iPhone 8, the Cupertino giant is expected to bring a new camera mode called ‘SmartCam’ that will enable the device to detect a specific scene and optimise the setting for better pictures.

Evidence of such a feature was discovered in the leaked HomePod firmware by Guilherme Rambo, who came across numerous references of the scenes that could be recognised automatically such as Document, Bright Stage, Fireworks and Foliage. It the feature sees the light of the day, the list of supported scenes would enhance significantly.

If the future is included in the iPhone 8, the device will be able to recognise the scenes as soon as it starts focusing, recommending specific settings to the user and also allow a default configuration should the detected scene not be correct.

The HomePod also hints of a facial recognition feature for authorising payments, meaning the company can do away with the TouchID. Apple reportedly failed to embed the TouchID underneath the display.

While facial recognition systems have been criticised in the past, Apple believes that the feature is almost impossible to trick and thus wants to use it not only for granting access to the device, but also to authorize payments.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 8 officially in September, ahead of sales later this year, possibly till October.