It has been rumored for some time that Samsung will be packing a fingerprint sensor in its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5. Now, a new report has confirmed the rumor and detailed Samsung"s implementation of the sensor.
According to a report published by SamMobile based on information from their sources, Samsung will be shipping the Galaxy S5 with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the device"s home button similar to the one on Apple"s iPhone 5s. In order to use the sensor, a user will have to swipe from the top of the home button to the bottom. The report mentions that the sensor would not function with moist or wet fingers and the user will be presented an error. The interesting aspect of Samsung"s implementation is that during the swipe, the S5 will show the fingerprint being scanned on the display in real-time.
It is also revealed that the fingerprint sensor will be used for providing security to the apps of the user"s choice in addition to the whole device as Samsung has enabled the functionality throughout the operating system on the Galaxy S5. Up to eight fingerprints can be stored on the Galaxy S5 with one mandatory for unlocking the smartphone. The Galaxy S5 will feature a Personal Folder and Private Mode accessible by entering a PIN, unlock pattern or stored fingerprint.
Apple and HTC have already implemented a fingerprint sensor but it is not a must-have feature for most users yet. It will be interesting to see what else Samsung does with the sensor technology when it launches the Galaxy S5 at the Unpacked event on February 23.
Source: SamMobile | Image via ClockHours