Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

Fingerprint Authentication Coming to Next Version of Android

by Fox Van Allen on May 22, 2015

Touch and Pay feature on a smartphoneOne of my favorite iPhone features will be coming soon to Android. According to a new report from BuzzFeed, the next version of the Google Android mobile operating system will support fingerprint authentication. The feature can be used to unlock your phone and login to supported apps without requiring a password. It is unlikely the tech will be backwards compatible with current phones, as it will likely require a hardware component.

Fingerprint authentication is not necessarily a new technology, as Apple has been building Touch ID in to its phones since the September 2013 release of the iPhone 5S. It’s proved to be a terrific convenience – I love being able to unlock my phone simply by holding my thumb on the home button for a moment. I can also use my fingerprint to authenticate with the American Express app and to complete mobile payment transactions (e.g., Apple Pay).

Fingerprint authentication is, for the most part, an incredibly secure technology. It’s more secure than a password – your fingerprint data is unique to you and stored locally on your phone. There have been a few scare stories in the media about how a criminal could bypass a phone fingerprint lock by making a latex cast of your finger, but let’s be real – the logistics of pulling such a scam are prohibitively complicated. There is a privacy concern with fingerprint tech, however: A Virginia circuit court judge ruled in October 2014 that while a police officer cannot compel you to divulge your phone password, he can compel you to unlock one via use of your fingerprint.

Details about the coming fingerprint authentication feature will likely be released next week during Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference. Details about the Android M operating system are also expected. For more news, keep an eye on our continuing smartphone coverage here on Techlicious.

[Fingerprint for online shopping via Shutterstock]


Topics

Phones and Mobile, News, Mobile Apps, Android Apps, Blog


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.