Sensor specialist AMS (OTC:AMSSY) announced a partnership with Chinese software maker Face++ to create new 3D facial recognition features for smartphones. This is an attempt to reduce the reliance on Apple and increase the Austrian firm’s shares.

Apple’s most recent iPhones use AMS optical sensors for 3D facial recognition. However, AMS is experiencing pressure as Iphone sales have not met expected demand especially in China.

The deal with Face++ may potentially allow for AMS 3D optical sensors to be utilized in Android devices in addition to the Apple products, where AMS has experienced difficulties due to technological challenges. The deal mirrors that of the partnership between U.S. firm Qualcomm, where Windows Phones are based upon Qualcomm’s technology. This deal can allow for AMS to enter into a different spectrum of the market.

As of right now, AMS has disclosed China’s Xiaomi as a customer, a maker of Android-based smartphones. Some analysts believe that Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro phones use AMS’s sensors as well. The new deal will allow for Face++ to provide software to process the optical data collected by AMS optical sensors.

AMS’s Executive Vice-President & General Manager for Optical Sensor Solutions, Ulrich Huewels, said, “by linking our 3D sensing systems with Face++ technology, we are enabling manufacturers to add these popular features to their products quickly and smoothly.” The two said that the corporation would allow manufacturers to offer functions like processing augmented reality and facial payments faster. “Together, AMS and Face++ are showing that 3D sensing solutions are ready for the mainstream now in every market sector, from consumer to automotive, medical and industrial electronics,” Huewels said.

Wu Wenhao, Senior Vice President of Face++, said, “manufacturers will benefit hugely from avoiding the development risk and time associated with 3D sensing software and hardware integration.”