Vivo Showcases In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology
Vivo on Tuesday announced it had showcased the world's first ready-to-produce in-display fingerprint scanning technology at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. The new development emerges weeks after the Chinese company announced its partnership with Synaptics to bring its native in-display fingerprint scanning technology called Clear ID. Separately, the first smartphone with the in-display fingerprint sensor is teased for launch on January 10. Interestingly, the smartphone maker had previously tied-up with Qualcomm and showcased a prototype featuring Qualcomm's under-display fingerprint sensor at MWC Shanghai 2017 in last June.
As explained by a presentation, the in-display fingerprint scanning technology on the upcoming Vivo smartphone sits between the glass protection and OLED panel. Some early testers already praised the experience and stated it to be "fast and simple". If we believe Synaptics, the proprietary technology is as faster as alternative biometrics methods such as 3D facial recognition such as Apple's Face ID and is highly secured, too.
Alongside the initial showcase, Vivo has released a teaser image with the tagline "Unlock the Future" to hint launch of the first in-display fingerprint reader. The company, as reported by China's CNMO.com, also revealed that the launch would happen on January 10. It is unclear whether the new Vivo model will be available for the global markets and at what price. However, considering Vivo's present focus, the handset is expected to arrive in India soon.
Synaptics in a claim last month highlighted that as many as 70 million units of in-display fingerprint sensors will be available this year. Mainly developed for thin-bezel OLED display panels with the taller-than-usual 18:9 aspect ratio, the Synaptics Clear ID sensors are mainly designed to replace the widely available fingerprint sensing solutions. The advanced sensors are touted to be capable of recognising fingerprints under layers up to 1.5mm thick, including a screen protector; particularly, the Clear ID FS9500 range can work with wet, dry, and cold fingers, Synaptics said.
"Today's showcase of a ready-to-produce in-display fingerprint scanning smartphone featuring an optical fingerprint sensor is a big leap forward in bringing consumers this long-awaited, futuristic mobile experience. We are very excited to make it available to consumers soon," said Alex Feng, Senior Vice President, Vivo, in a press statement.
