SEOUL, Apr. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — North Korean smartphones are reportedly showing technological progress as they now offer facial recognition as well as wireless charging features.
Sogwang, a North Korean state media outlet, introduced North Korea’s newly developed smartphone, the Pyongyang 2425, on its official website.
“The Pyongyang 2425 comes with enhanced features, praised by many customers,” said Sogwang. “Its eight-core CPU has boosted the processing speed by 150 percent, and the touchscreen experience has become smoother.”
Photos released by Sogwang show that ‘facial recognition’ is visible in a menu of the phone’s screen, under the ‘security’ tab.
“Facial recognition features use an infrared camera that allows users to unlock the screen even in dark places without having to place their fingers or type in a password,” Sogwang explained.
In South Korea, Samsung introduced its first facial recognition technology in 2011.
Sogwang added that there are more reasons for users to purchase the new smartphone, including its compatibility with wireless charging and high-resolution camera.
In South Korea, LG Electronics Inc. first introduced wireless charging with its Optimus G released in 2012. Samsung Electronics Co. introduced the Galaxy S4, the company’s first smartphone to come with wireless charging features, in 2013.
North Korea’s new wireless charging technology seems to have incorporated the magnetic induction method, which requires the phone to be placed right on top of the charging pad.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)