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    Explained: Samsung’s implementation of the fingerprint sensor on the upcoming Galaxy S5

    Phone
    By 

    Last updated: February 17th, 2014 at 20:19 UTC+01:00

    Yes, you heard it right folks! Today, we are finally confirming that Samsung’s upcoming flagship device, the Galaxy S5, will be equipped with a fingerprint sensor, and not only that but we will also be explaining exactly how Samsung implemented it and what it’s planning to use it for. Huge kudos to our insiders who sent us a plethora of information regarding the Galaxy S5 last week.

    Recently, most of the rumours pointed towards the fingerprint sensor being built into the actual display but that’s not the case, because Samsung has implemented the sensor into the Galaxy S5’s home button. Oh, we would also like to confirm that Samsung hasn’t opted for on-screen buttons and is still using physical buttons, like it has been using in the past on all of its flagship devices. The sensor itself works in a swipe manner, which means that you would need to swipe the entire pad of your finger, from base to tip, across the home key to register your fingerprint properly. Also, you would need to keep your finger flat against the home key and swipe at a moderate speed or else it won’t recognise your fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor is sensitive to moisture, as well. So, don’t try to use it with wet fingers because it will, literally, give you an error and tell you to dry your fingers first.

    Samsung has implemented the use of fingerprint scanning throughout the operating system. You can register a total of 8 fingerprints and assign each fingerprint a different task or use it as an app shortcut, but at least 1 fingerprint must be used to unlock the device. A new Personal Folder and Private Mode has been developed by Samsung, where you will be able to hide personal apps, widgets, and content you want to keep private. To open and close your Personal Folder and Private Mode, you would need to swipe your registered finger over the home key after tapping on the home key, or you could simply use a different security method, like pattern unlock or security PIN. You will be able to verify your Samsung account using your fingerprint and will also be able to sign into different websites, without needing to enter your username or password ever again.

    A few other OEMs, like Apple and HTC, have already implemented fingerprint sensors into their devices but none of their mobile devices use the sensor to its full potential, or like how Samsung is using in its upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5. We at SamMobile have decided not to post any visuals because we want to keep a few surprises for Samsung to reveal at the Samsung UNPACKED 2014 event in Barcelona.

    Update: We forgot to mention, the Galaxy S5 will show real-time image of your fingerprint on the display as you swipe your finger over the sensor.

    Phone Fingerprint scannerSamsung Galaxy S5UNPACKED 2014

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