Face Recognition on 3G Cell Phones

Face recognition isn't just done at home courtesy of MyHeritage.com, but on-the-go with yet another release of face recognition authentication for cell phones by a leading mobile operator in Japan :

"Security features include biometric authentication (user's face) and compatibility with DoCoMo's Omakase Lock™ remote locking service, as well as the Data Security Service™ for backing up phonebooks and other important data on a network server. The model can function as an e-wallet, timecard and personal identification card for accessing restricted areas."

The concept has been around for quite some time, but with Japan representing one of the most mature markets for mobile devices -- right after South Korea -- the feature would briefly gain popularity and acceptance. The interesting part is the security vs usability issue as if the face recognition doesn't provide perfect results in every environment and under external factors such as darkness or even brightness, by the time the technology matures, a secret question to further authenticate or good old PIN code would do the work.

Here's a very well sorted library of various research on the topic, and an interesting service that's sharing a stolen phone's photos.