LG to put 3D sensor in G8 ThinQ for better selfies
Seen is an image of a time of flight (ToF) sensor which will be installed in LG Electronics' upcoming premium smartphone LG G8 ThinQ. / Courtesy of LG Electronics
By Baek Byung-yeul
LG Electronics will install a 3D sensor in its upcoming premium smartphone G8 ThinQ for enhanced selfie photography and security features, the firm said Thursday.
The company said the 3D image sensor chip is provided by German semiconductor firm Infineon Technologies AG. The chip uses time-of-flight (ToF) technology, which enables a camera to measure distance using infrared light and capture 3D images.
LG is scheduled to introduce its latest premium phone during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) exhibition, which will be held in Barcelona from Feb. 25 to 28. This is the first time the company confirmed that its flagship phone will be named the LG G8 ThinQ.
The 3D image sensor chip, which will be installed in the front-facing camera of the smartphone, will offer enhanced selfie features, the firm said.
“While other 3D technologies utilize complex algorithms to calculate an object's distance from the camera lens, the ToF image sensor chip delivers more accurate measurements,” an LG official said. “Therefore, the sensor helps users produce better depth of field when using the selfie camera mode.”
The official added the ToF is faster and more effective in ambient light so that it can reduce power consumption and the workload on the application processor.
“The LG G8 ThinQ featuring ToF will be the optimal choice for users in search of a premium smartphone that offers unmatched camera capabilities,” said Ma Chang-min, senior vice president and head of product strategy at LG's mobile communications division.
LG decided to team up with Infineon Technologies AG as the German semiconductor firm is recognized for its sensor products. The German firm developed the ToF technology for LG's high-end and mid-range devices, LG said.
LG is expected to offer new features in the upcoming smartphone to resurrect its struggling smartphone business. It is reported that the G8 ThinQ smartphone may have a palm vein recognition feature to offer improved security. As shown in LG's official video teasing the latest smartphone, LG hinted the G8 ThinQ will have a radar-based gesture control interface as well.