Samsung's iris-reading Note 7 keeps Apple at bay

South Korean group draws attention to extra security the scanner provides

After extending its lead over Apple Inc in the global smartphone market with the Galaxy S7, Samsung Electronics Co is now trying to keep that spirit alive before a new iPhone arrives.

The South Korean company announced the latest version of its large-screen smartphone with the 5.7 inch Note 7 that can be unlocked with an iris-scanning camera. Sporting a display that curves down both sides, Samsung's successor to the Note 5 skipped a number to synchronize its name with the technology used for its top-selling Galaxy S7.