Qualcomm Technologies Inc. Tuesday announced new Spectra camera technology that delivers advanced image signal processors and improved depth-sensing capabilities in camera phones.

The capability could put Android phones on par by next year relative to features such as facial recognition and iris scanning for identification that Apple Inc.’s upcoming iPhone 8 is expected to have.

The camera technology offers a range of benefits to Android phone users on top of the obvious delivery of improved picture taking capabilities with the tech supporting facial recognition, allowing for the deployment of face-scanning security systems, along with a “premium computer vision kit” that uses an infrared illuminator for scanning objects.

“Whether used for computational photography, video recording, or for computer vision applications that require accurate motion tracking, it’s clear that power efficient camera image signal processing has become more important for the next generation of mobile user experiences,” Qualcomm Vice President Tim Leland said in a statement. “Our breakthrough advancements in visual quality and computer vision, combined with our family of integrated Qualcomm Spectra ISPs for Snapdragon, are designed to support an ecosystem of cutting edge mobile applications for our customers.”

The new camera technology also has potential uses outside of taking photos. The improved depth sensing technology also potentially could be used by augmented reality applications, or as Qualcomm describes them, “extended reality.”

“Qualcomm believes depth sensing to be the next mission critical must-have feature for smartphones,” Leland added. “In addition, depth sensing will revolutionize standalone VR and AR headsets as tracking and object avoidance becomes more precise and hand-held controllers obsolete. The introduction of our second generation Spectra ISP will advance computational photography, video recording, and computer vision applications that require accurate motion tracking.”

Photo: Qualcomm