"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.

There are several things going on under this article that are worth noting. Perhaps first and foremost, we should note that DoCoMo is stlil around and kicking. I haven't seen much from them lately.

There's been a lot of discussion among many of us from blog to blog the past few weeks about video on 3G phones and whether anyone will really use video. I feel terribly impaired at being able to speculate accurately because our wireless networks in the US are so woefully  outdated in comparison to other parts of the world. The US carriers, both voice and data, have done a dismal job of advancing network technology. Sure, Sprint's now talking EVDO Rev A in limited rollout, but frankly the carrier solutions suck and they're running way behind the rest of the world.

In Japan, they're now looking at working facial recognition software on 3G phones. Will we use video? Heck. they're going to be using it for more than handheld to handheld video. If facial recognition technology can effectively work, and be trustworthy, on a handheld, we'll be using handheld video for user authentication to systems (eliminating weak passwords) and finding all sort of new using for video from the handheld.

I read this blurb as a signal that not only is 3G video here to stay, but the US just fell two more steps behind. Don't believe it? Take a moment to really read the DoCoMo press release:

DoCoMo Unveils 14 New 3G FOMA Handsets—Including HSDPA and "One-segment" Mobile TV Models in New 903i Series

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 12, 2006 --- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries today announced 14 new 3G FOMA™ handsets-the 903i series, SIMPURE™ series and N902iL.

All 11 new 903i handsets provide a wide range of entertainment functions. They are equipped for DoCoMo's Chaku-Uta Full® full-track music-downloading service. Five models can play tracks transferred from PCs that were used to download music from sites such as Napster™ Japan, which offers unlimited access to approximately 1.5 million downloadable tracks for a flat rate. HSDPA-capable models work with the Music Channel™ service, which enables up to two music programs to be downloaded automatically during the night, and the expanded i-motion™ video clip for downloading up to 10MB files. All models are compatible with Mega i-appli rich applications, and some are also equipped for "One-segment" digital terrestrial broadcasting.

The new 903i series offer a number of improved conveniences for daily life. They have IC cards with triple the storage capacity of conventional models, and they come preinstalled with software required to use DoCoMo's DCMX™ mobile credit card on DoCoMo's iD™ platform. Six 903i models are equipped for the Keitai-Osagashi Service, a GPS service that enables a misplaced handset to be located with a PC.

Various communication features have been upgraded in the 903i series. All models can send mails with attached files totaling up to 2MB. They also can be used to create and send highly decorative Deco-mail™ Pictogram messages containing high-resolution icons that come preinstalled in the phones or are available separately via download. All 903i models are equipped for advanced PushTalk™ walkie-talkie communication, and six models are compatible with 3G international roaming.
...

The N902iL is a dual-network model that can switch automatically between the FOMA network and wireless LANs. Targeted at corporate users, the model offers communication speeds of up to 54Mbps (IEEE802.11g standard), and increased voice quality and more users being able to make voice calls at the same time (IEEE802.11e) on WLANs. Its full browser views both PC websites and company intranets. 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. It will also double as a VoIP mobile phone on an in-house WLAN that is equipped for DoCoMo's PASSAGE DUPLE™ service and the business mopera IP Centrex service scheduled to start in November. The N902iL is expected to be marketed next spring through DoCoMo's corporate business division and partner companies.

The 14 new handsets are part of DoCoMo's plan to unveil a total of more than 20 handsets, including new models in the 703i Series, by the end of March 2007.[FULL STORY]

Interesting times ahead and the USis in serious catch-up mode.