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While Samsung had hoped to bring the world's first under-the-glass fingerprint scanner with the Galaxy S8, that plan didn't work out as the technology just wasn't ready in time. As a result, the Galaxy S8 ended up with the world's weirdest fingerprint scanner ever! Nevertheless, Samsung tried to incorporate it once again with the upcoming Note 8 and this time by working with a different company. However, reports are indicating that it didn't work out either and the Note 8 will sport a rear mounted fingerprint scanner, but in the middle thankfully! As it turns out, Apple themselves were not finding it easy to incorporate the next-gen fingerprint scanners either and rumor has it that there's no guarantee as to how the iPhone 8 OLED will be sporting its fingerprint scanner when it comes out later in the year.
Strangely enough, it's the Chinese manufacturer Vivo who is reportedly ahead of both the big guns and has already implemented the technology in one of their upcoming smartphones, which they are going to unveil in this very month (June 28) at the MWC Shanghai. I am really looking forward to this one, what about you?
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
Vivo has apparently done what Samsung could not and Apple was only planning to. The famous in-screen fingerprint scanner which has so far eluded all devices till date, has been brought forth and showcased on a Vivo smartphone.
The Qualcomm fingerprint scanner which was put into effect at the show on a Vivo Xplay 6 prototype was announced earlier at the same show. It detects ultrasonic fingerprint signals through OLED displays up to 1200um and is more secure than any other fingerprint scanners that are available on smartphones at the moment. Check out the GIF image which we can now look at, thanks to Engadget.
The fingerprint scanner works underwater and doesn't care much even when your phone or your fingers are dirty. There are two points to be noted though. Engadget reports that the actual fingerprint recognition is much slower than what we are used to and also that the display was only able to detect the fingerprint from one particular place on the display. In theory however, the whole display should be able to detect your fingerprints flawlessly. Then again, this is just a prototype that we are looking at and things will definitely improve once the ultrasonic technology and the smartphone is ready for commercial release.
Via: Engadget
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
If you are looking for a reasonable price Android smartphone with all the performance you need and running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Out-of-the-box... We have a good deal for you, the ZTE Axon Elite 4G International Edition, a gorgeous device from ZTE with high-end specs and a mid-range price tag ($469 - GearBest). You can Pre-order your ZTE Axon Elite 4G from Here now.
Amazingly, the ZTE Axon Elite 4G has a huge 5.5-inch Full HD IPS+OGS display (1920 x 1080) with a 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass for full protection.
ZTE Axon Elite 4G packs a powerful Snapdragon 810 CPU, 3GB RAM and Adreno 430 and powered by Android 5.0.2 Lollipop which means you won't need to wait for any update, you can enjoy all the good Lollipop features right away.
AS for the Media and Camera, the ZTE Axon Elite 4G packs 8.0MP front camera and a 13.0M IMX214 + 2MP Altek Dual-rear cameras with flash light and AF, the device can shoot a Full HD video and amazing photos using its software features to enhance the photo in real-time capture.
Connectivity is all around the ZTE Axon Elite 4G, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, GPS, 3G, 4G-LTE and everything in between, along with Dual Nano SIM (Dual Standby) support too.
ZTE Axon Elite International Edition Specifications
Brand: ZTE
Type: 4G Phablet
Service Provide: Unlocked
OS: Android 5.0
System Languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese
SIM Card Slot: Dual Standby, Dual SIM
SIM Card Type: Dual Nano SIM
Hardware
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
Cores: Octa Core
GPU: Adreno 430
RAM: 3GB RAM
ROM: 32GB
External memory: TF card up to 128GB (not included)
Network
Wireless Connectivity: 3G, 4G, GSM, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, GPS
WiFi: 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless internet
Network type: GSM+WCDMA+FDD-LTE
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 700/800/850/900/1800/2100/2600MHz
Display
Screen type: IPS+OGS
Screen size: 5.5 inch
Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Camera
Camera type: Triple cameras
Back-camera : 13.0MP + 2.0MP Dual Cameras
Back camera: with flash light and AF
Front camera: 8.0MP
Flashlight: Yes
Video recording: Yes
Media Formats
Picture format: GIF, BMP, JPEG, PNG
Music format: AAC, MP3, OGG, WAV
Video format: AVI, WMV, 3GP
MS Office format: Word, Excel, PPT
E-book format: PDF, TXT
Live wallpaper support: Yes
Games: Android APK
Other Features
I/O Interface: Micro USB Slot, 3.5mm Audio Out Port
Sensor: Gravity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer
Additional Features: Bluetooth, Proximity Sensing, GPS, 4G, MP3, MP4, 3G, NFC, Wi-Fi, Gravity Sensing
Battery
Battery Capacity (mAh): 3000mAh Built-in
Package Contents
Cell Phone: 1
Power Adapter: 1
USB Cable: 1
Dimensions
Product size: 15.4 x 7.7 x 0.98 cm / 6.05 x 3.03 x 0.39 inches
Package size: 18.0 x 12.0 x 6.0 cm / 7.07 x 4.72 x 2.36 inches
Product weight: 0.170 kg
Package weight: 0.550 kg
You can Pre-order yours Now Exclusively from GearBest for only $469 (with Discount: 35% off + FREE SHIPPING) FROM HERE and enjoy your phablet full power.
Samsung is looking to enhance the fingerprint senor's capabilities beyond that of only locking and unlocking the phone. The published patent indicates that the company hopes to bring swipe functionalities to their fingerprint scanners, which will enable the user to perform various actions by making swipe gestures on the fingerprint scanner itself. If you are not aware, then let us inform you that this sounds very similar to what the Google Pixel phones brought with them this year. Before you call out Samsung for "copying" the Pixels, note that they had actually filed for this particular patent way back in 2014.
Will we be able to swipe directly from the fingerprint scanner and launch an application from the lock screen on the Galaxy S8? We are not entirely sure to be honest. Many rumors indicate that the S8 will feature the company's first commercial bezel-less display, of which, a new optical fingerprint scanner will be an embedded part. If that turns out to be true, it is hard to tell whether that particular scanner will also be able to support the swipe functionality.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
As per a report that got out of South Korea, Samsung is on its way to make a few new features available in the affordable smartphones.
We're discussing about the fingerprint sensor and the support for Samsung Pay along with NFC. A source informed that Samsung is planning to deploy fingerprint sensors in budget smartphone models, although we're not quite sure what kind of smartphones would fall into the "budget" segment.
It seems that Samsung is getting affected by the Chinese makers, who include fingerprint scanners in lower to medium range devices. Moreover, at the same price point Chinese makers offer more features than Samsung. The tech giant is taking these steps to bolster its presence in the emerging markets. Currently Samsung is holding the top spot in 14 out of 15 emerging smartphone markets.
Unfortunately Samsung has not yet given any particular time frame to make these features available in the budget segment. As per speculations, Samsung Pay will be available in low and medium range smartphones in the first half of 2016. This will be rolled out for the company's Android devices. Analysts are still divided in their opinions of whether its Tizen smartphone will also have support for the payment system. Customers can expect access to some high-end Tizen offerings next year.
Finally, Samsung Galaxy A8 is now official, the Korean giant has just revealed the device's specifications and photos. The handset is now listed on the Korean manufacturer's China website and we can finally say that the company's thinnest phone to date is a reality and relieve ourselves of the sea of information that has been bombarding the rumor mill.
The Samsung Galaxy A8 has a metal frame with a curvature very similar to that of the Galaxy S6, but the glass on the back has been replaced by aluminum, as is typical for the A-series. The handset has a profile of just 5.9mm and packs a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, yet still manages to keep things on the light side weighing in at 151 grams quite modest for a phablet.
Inside the A8, there is a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, with one cluster of Cortex-A53 cores working at 1.0 GHz and another ticking at 1.5 GHz. RAM is 2GB, onboard storage can be either 16GB or 32GB and there is also a microSD card slot. The memory expansion slot is shared with the second SIM slot so you can't get both dual-SIM and microSD at the same time, though.
In terms of connectivity the Samsung Galaxy A8 offers 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with Glonass and Beidou support, as well as NFC.
The camera setup consists of a 16MP main shooter, which, according to previous rumors is not identical to the one in the S6 and S6 edge and has a reduced pixel size of 1.0 µm to conserve space. It still has OIS and a bright f/1.9 aperture.
Another high-end feature present in the Galaxy A8 is a fingerprint reader, just like the flagship models. The unit is powered by a 3,050 mAh battery and Samsung promises 304 hours of standby time. As far as we currently know, color options include white, black and gold.
Samsung Galaxy A8 Specifications
In case you are not aware, Synaptics is a company that's famous for making fingerprint scanners, especially for Samsung. They have unveiled quite an innovative piece of fingerprint sensing tech today, dubbed the Natural ID FS9100 optical fingerprint sensor. It resembles the "under the glass" fingerprint scanner which we have been hearing about so far only in rumors and given the history shared by Samsung and Synaptics of working together, we are pretty much sure that this is what we are going to see on the Galaxy S8 next year.
"Synaptics' FS9100 family of fingerprint sensors represent a new breed of optical fingerprint sensor technology that is designed to meet the needs of mobile devices, including the ability to image through thick 2.5D glass. In addition to opening the door to new industrial design options, it enables OEMs to provide highly durable, button-free cover glass and more easily provide water-resistant products, while eliminating low-yield glass processing" - Anthony Gioelli, Vice-President of Biometrics Marketing, Synaptics
This new optical fingerprint sensor works flawlessly even when placed under 1mm of 2.5D glass. Additionally, it can also detect prints from wet fingers, which makes it a great companion for water-resistant smartphones (like the Galaxy S8). Since it's meant to be placed below the front glass of the smartphone, the FS9100 is immune to scratches and electro-static discharges by default. This is the perfect addition to the S8, now that Samsung has probably decided to remove the physical Home button and go with a bezel-less display.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
Just two days ago, Synaptics had announced their next gen fingerprint scanner (FS9100) which works even when placed under a millimetre of glass or when operated with a wet finger. Most of the world was almost sure at this point that the Galaxy S8 will feature this optical fingerprint scanner under its dual curved edge-to-edge display. However, a new report has surfaced on the internet recently which has forced the tech-enthusiasts around the world to reconsider that conclusion. According to this report, the "under the glass" optical fingerprint scanner did not work well with the S8 and therefore, Samsung is opting for a physical rear mounted scanner instead. If you are wondering why the scanner won't be a part of the Home button as usual, it's because there won't be a Home button on the Galaxy S8, as far as all reports, rumors and leaks are concerned.
Amidst all the confusion regarding the fingerprint scanner, let us not forget about the iris scanner which is also rumoured to be on the S8. Although we saw the iris scanner briefly on the Note 7 before it was shut down, the chances are pretty high that an enhanced version of the same sensor will be seen on the upcoming flagship from Samsung.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
We all know that the biggest gripe most people have with the Galaxy S8 and the S8+ is the awkward location of the fingerprint scanner. While I think the 3,000mAh battery on the regular S8 is a much bigger problem, that is not the point of this article. It seems that The Investor from South Korea actually has a decent explanation for the strange decision by Samsung.
The under-the-screen fingerprint scanner revealed by Synaptics a few months ago was apparently funded mainly by Samsung. They were supposed to be a part of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ but unfortunately, the technology just wasn't ready before the mass production of the Galaxy S8 series of smartphone began. As Samsung could not place the fingerprint scanner on the front anymore and the middle of the back wasn't an option because the design wouldn't permit it, they had two choices. The first was to exclude the fingerprint scanner altogether, and the second one is what we are seeing now, an awkwardly positioned fingerprint scanner right beside the camera. Additionally, this could also be the reason as to why the S8+ doesn't feature the initially expected rear dual camera module. The whole affair makes sense too. Samsung is a market pioneer and industry leader; to think that they would simply opt for a stupid location for the fingerprint scanner voluntarily is a silly concept in itself.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
If anyone who has used the Galaxy S8 was asked to point out a single flaw in the S8's design, it would be the fingerprint scanner's placement. Of course the Bixby button could be up for argument as well, but it will more likely lose to that awkwardly placed sensor by far. If you have been following us, then you probably already know that the design choice in this regard wasn't really a "choice" for Samsung. After putting in the necessary money into developing a fingerprint scanning tech that could be placed below the glass, Samsung found that it wouldn't be ready before the beginning of the Galaxy S8's mass production process. They literally had no space left at this point to implement the fingerprint scanner, except where you see it right now.
Sadly enough, it seems that the Note 8 will not be able to sport the tech either as Samsung and even Apple is facing some serious issues with implementing the technology into their respective upcoming flagship smartphones. In the words of a Samsung representative (according to the report), "We made every effort to install a display-integrated fingerprint sensor on Galaxy Note 8, but we decided not to install it on this strategic phone due to various technical limitations such as security." Samsung will continue to work with CrucialTec and others in the field to develop and integrate the technology, but it doesn't seem like something which could happen before the Galaxy Note 8 is released.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
The rear camera and the fingerprint scanner which will be accompanying the Galaxy S9 has been revealed online a few hours ago, confirming the rumor that the Galaxy S9 will indeed be sporting just one camera at its unworthy back... The dual cameras will be reserved for the more premium Galaxy S9+. Now the question is, can you really blame anyone anymore when they blame Samsung for following in the footsteps of Apple? One would think that they would do the consumers a favor and endow both the devices with similar specs like every year, but that is not going to happen anymore it seems.
The Fingerprint scanner doesn't reveal much except the fact which we all knew anyway; Samsun has not yet been able to perfect their under-the-display fingerprint scanner. Let's just hope that like all the rumors suggest, Samsung at least decides to put the fingerprint scanner at a better location than they did last year with the Galaxy S8, S8+ and the Note 8.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
At this point, it doesn't even feel like news anymore to report once again that Samsung's next flagship smartphone won't be sporting an under-the-glass fingerprint scanner because this is going on for more than a year now. Renowned KGI analyst and Apple leakster Ming-Chi Kuo has sadly declared this fact, although he had himself said earlier that Samsung would be able to pull it off with the Note 9. Apparently, the OEM can't do that at this moment, but incidentally, Vivo has already done it successfully with the Apex.
It is baffling for many as to why Samsung is unable to do it, especially since the only reasoning offered here by Ming-Chi Kuo was a vague explanation about the current gen sensors being unable to bring what Samsung needed to the table. It might have something to do with the fact that the latest under-the-display sensors being incapable of working with an OLED display properly, but we don't know for sure.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
It almost feels like every major Samsung smartphone in recent history has been released with at least one major flaw and just to add to that cliché, new reports from several users on XDA forums are claiming that this time around, Samsung might need to fix the fingerprint scanner even before the phone has begun to sale officially! Apparently, quite a few of the S9 and S9+ units are exhibiting a strange issue where the fingerprint scanner stops responding completely and can only be fixed by rebooting the device. Let's hope that the issue is only software-related and can be easily fixed with an update, because if it isn't, then Samsung is going to have to suffer huge losses.
SamMobile has officially asked Samsung about the issue, but no reply has been provided yet. We will keep you updated about this, so stay tuned and hold off on buying the S9/S9+ for a while.
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
The in-display fingerprint scanner showing up on a Samsung device has now been a rumor for years and although it isn't nearly as old as the famous foldable smartphone rumors, they share a similarity in the fact that they both seem to take Samsung forever to release. While the foldable smartphone has been confirmed by the President of Samsung Mobiles, the in-display fingerprint scanner has so far only been a thing of speculations. However, some reports from South Korea are claiming that it is not a rumor or an expected feature anymore, but a confirmed feature that the Galaxy S10 will sport. To top things off, reports also indicate that Qualcomm is going to be the company that will supply Samsung with this elusive piece of tech.
If the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is indeed supplied by Qualcomm, it would lead to the question as to how the Exynos versions of the Galaxy S10 will support the tech ? Will Samsung release only future Qualcomm chip-powered versions of the Galaxy S10 ? Or will Samsung be making their own ultrasonic fingerprint scanners as well? We will let you know more on this as we find out ourselves.
Saikat Kar
The Galaxy Note 9 has finally been launched and while the memories are still fresh, it is already time to look forward to the Galaxy S10, because it might have a bunch of impressive features that the Galaxy Note 9 didn't. Make no mistake, the Note 9 is a very capable device, but it's nothing ground breaking in terms of design or functionality really. You can check out the full spec, price and feature list here. Having said that, could it be that some of the more impressive features, including the in-display fingerprint scanner would make their way onto the Galaxy S10? We certainly hope so, especially since it is predicted that most smartphones will have it in 2019.
It's a bit disappointing really that the huge 6.4-inch display of the Note 9 didn't have the Fingerprint on Display technology, aka FOD, given that both Huawei and Vivo have managed to incorporate it quite effectively in some of their high-end smartphones for months now. We are also expecting 3D cameras and 5G compatibility on the Galaxy S10, but it's still too early to tell for sure.
Saikat Kar
Recently, a couple in the UK found a security bug in the Samsung Galaxy fingerprint scanning. It allows anyone to bypass the fingerprint security to unlock the phone. Even if someone hasn't registered his fingerprint to unlock the device, the silicone case somehow gets confused and lets the user access the phone.
This wasn't the first time when a flaw was detected in the security mechanism of the smartphone. Hackers and security specialists have unlocked the devices using the 3D prints of the fingerprint but to hack the phone, one had access to the phone and fingerprints. In this case, you need only one inexpensive protective case.
Samsung suggests that users should only use the recommended accessories by the company but this doesn't apply to non-authentic users with bad intentions. Galaxy S10 is the first phone to use ultrasonic technology for fingerprint scanning. It creates a 3D map of the fingerprint using ultrasounds, with the reader being embedded under the display panel. Samsung declared for an internal investigation and is working on a fix to be patched as a security patch.
This seems an unbelievable story, but now the word has gotten out. There are videos on YouTube showcasing people shattering the in-display ultrasound technology using just care. This is a major concern for the phones planning to use ultrasonic technology as most of the phones use the optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, which places a CMOS chip under the display and takes a 2D picture of fingerprint. Samsung's biometric solution has failed before with Galaxy S8 in 2017. It was a facial recognition system that had flaws. Anyone could unlock the phone with the picture of the person instead of being an actual person in front of the device camera.
Google I/O 2015 is about to start with the big announcement of Android "M" developer Preview. Google might announce native support for fingerprint scanner in Android M version (6.0). although the company declined to comment on that. Ars Technica found commits in AOSP for Nexus 6 for a fingerprint sensor, which Google has been working on on the software side. The Nexus 6 was also supposed to have a fingerprint sensor but according to Motorola ex-CEO Dennis Woodside, Apple bought the one good company that made those.
With native fingerprint scanner support in the OS, all the apps can tap into it and use it for authentication. You would be able to use it for your Play Store purchases, or Google Wallet authentication, or for apps like 1Password, Authy, Dropbox, OneDrive, Simplenote, or any other app that allows you to use a passcode lock, and that currently use Touch ID on iOS, can be used with the fingerprint scanner if they add support for it on Android.
Currently very few Android phones have a fingerprint scanner, with only the recent Galaxy S6 and S6 edge having implemented it the right way, but we could see more devices in future if Google does decide to include it in Android M.
Google Play Store App has just been officially updated to version 5.9.11 with various bug fixes and new features a preparation for the Android 6.0 Marshmallow final release later this month. The new update added Fingerprint Readers support for In-app purchases and payments, Uninstall Manager for unwanted apps and full Android 6.0 Marshmallow new permissions system support.
What's New on this update ?
This new version packs some minor bug fixes and User Interface changes ot the whole app, it is also a preparation for the Play Store 6.0 that will come in the Marshmallow 6.0 final release. One of the upcoming features is the Fingerprint sensor support for IAP (In-App Purchases). There is also an upcoming feature called "Uninstall Manager" that will make it easy to pick out the overweight apps that get in the way the next time you're trying to install something and helps you free memory on your Android device. This version also adds a new App permissions handling system for API 23 (Android 6.0).
To get the Google Play Store App version 5.9.11 now without waiting, you can Download and Install the Official APK from the link Below. This APK has not been modified by any means and it's 100% safe to install. Stay Tuned to be the first to get Google play v6.0!
Google Play Store 5.9.11 [APK]
Google Play Store App has just been officially updated to version 5.9.12 with various bug fixes and new features a preparation for the Android 6.0 Marshmallow final release later this month. The new update added Fingerprint Readers support for In-app purchases and payments, Uninstall Manager for unwanted apps and full Android 6.0 Marshmallow new permissions system support.
What's New on this update ?
This new version packs some minor bug fixes and User Interface changes ot the whole app, it is also a preparation for the Play Store 6.0 that will come in the Marshmallow 6.0 final release. One of the upcoming features is the Fingerprint sensor support for IAP (In-App Purchases). There is also an upcoming feature called "Uninstall Manager" that will make it easy to pick out the overweight apps that get in the way the next time you're trying to install something and helps you free memory on your Android device. This version also adds a new App permissions handling system for API 23 (Android 6.0).
To get the Google Play Store App version 5.9.12 now without waiting, you can Download and Install the Official APK from the link Below. This APK has not been modified by any means and it's 100% safe to install. Stay Tuned to be the first to get Google play v6.0!
Google Play Store 5.9.12 [APK]
Biometric authentication seems like a norm these days. According to a survey conducted in 2016 of 4000 consumers across the US and UK by Gigya revealed that almost 52$ of the users prefer biometric authentication solution over a traditional login and password. Biometric authentication provides a more convenient and powerful alternative to the traditional ways, the user doesn't have to remember weird passwords. The Biometric measurement is reliable, repeatable, convenient, and stable but is it as secure as well think or assume?
In the recent era of smartphones, companies feel proud to integrate security measures like in-display fingerprint scanning and 3D face recognition in their devices. A new report suggests that Samsung's recent flagship smartphone Galaxy S10 can be easily fooled a fake 3D print of a fingerprint. At imgur.com a user darkshark explained how he managed to fool the new Samsung Galaxy S10's ultrasonic fingerprint scanner by using 3d printing. He took a snapshot of his fingerprint on a wineglass, processed it in Adobe Photoshop and made a model using 3Ds Max that extrudes the lines in the picture into a 3D version.
After a 13 minute print and 3 attempts, he was able to print out a final product of his fingerprints which fooled the phone's ultrasonic sensors. This isn't the first time, someone tried to ditch the security measures. In 2016, police officers used a 3D printer to get into a murder victim's phone. The concern is that if someone stole your phone, chances are your fingerprints are already on it. This isn't just about phone unlocking. Many banking apps also use this mechanism to secure the user's authentication to its bank account. But if Samsung Galaxy S10's security system can be fooled, what else is secure? You can read more about this experiment here.
Xiaomi has come up with the new Redmi Note 3 in China. The new device gets bigger and better in comparison to its predecessor, with a new full metal body, fingerprint sensor, a huge 4000mAh battery, and more.
The new Redmi Note 3 sports a full aluminum unibody design with 120-point ultra-fine double sided sandblasting and curved edges. At the thickest area the device will be of 8.65mm and the weight will be 164g, 4g more than its predecessor in spite of the larger battery.
On the rear a new fingerprint sensor is available, which Xiaomi claims unlocks the phone in just 0.3 seconds. Soon we'll see whether the sensor will only be used for unlocking the device or within apps as well. It opens up new possibilities like biometric authentication for payments via the Mi Wallet Service.
Other specifications include a 5.5-inch 1080p display, MediaTek Helio X10 processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage or 3GB RAM and 32GB storage depending upon the variant, 13 megapixel rear camera with phase detection autofocus, 4G dual SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and MIUI 7.
The smartphone will cost RMB 899 ($140) for the 16GB model and RMB 1099 ($172) for the 32GB variant. It will be available in three colors: silver, gold, and gray.
SanDisk is now offering a new 128GB iXpand Flash Drive. When used with the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3 128GB models, the new iXpand Flash Drive instantly doubles the available storage for photos and videos, music, and other multimedia files.
The flash drive is encrypted and can be unlocked with the users's fingerprint, Apple Touch ID. The well-rated and full-featured iXpand Sync app, available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad allows users to automatically sync, backup and transfer photos and videos.
SanDisk also said the iXpand Sync app has added support for Apple's Touch ID sensor for iOS 8 that will allow owners of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 to open, encrypt and decrypt apps and files on the iXpand Flash Drive with just their fingerprint. The 128GB version of the iXpand Flash Drive is on sale now for $149.99.
Not unlike the fabled Galaxy X and its foldable display, the in-screen fingerprint scanner never really arrived on any Samsung device, in spite of there being no shortage of rumors that hinted Samsung will incorporate it in the Galaxy S8 or the Note 8. As it turns out, even the upcoming Galaxy S9 will most likely go with a traditional fingerprint scanner at the back, albeit in a better place! However, the focus of this news is the fact that it's a Chinese company named Vivo that has beaten the mighty Korean giant and the all-powerful Apple in getting Synaptics' inside-the-display fingerprint scanner inside one of its smartphones.
Vivo is no joke though, because the company is one of the leading smartphone companies in its home country and in India. Unfortunately, this also means that the western world might not see this smartphone ever make its way onto the US shores. In the words of the source, which is Patrick Moorhead aka @PatrickMoorhead on Twitter,
"Here are some pics @anshelsag and I took of the Vivo smartphone with the Synaptics in-display fingerprint reader. The CMOS image sensor is .7mm thick and reads the fingerprint right through the OLED display. The experience was faster than I expected."
You can check out the photos above.
Sakat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
This year, Samsung's definitely been active in the smartwatch market. It recently unveiled the Gear S. But next year the company may be taking its smartwatch efforts to the next level.
According to a report out of Samsung's home country of South Korea, at Mobile World Congress 2015 we could see a new wearable that will come with a built-in fingerprint scanner. And in what would be a first for a Samsung device, it may not require a swipe to register your fingerprint.
Aside from featuring that sensor and not relying on a smartphone for secure authentication purposes, this yet-unnamed smartwatch is also to sport some simple payments functionality. This will be developed by Samsung in partnership with PayPal. The two companies have already teamed up this year to enable making payments with the Galaxy S5's fingerprint sensor, so the new smartwatch venture would be a natural extension of that relationship.
The whole thing has been reportedly confirmed by "a high-ranking official at Samsung Electronics". Synaptics is also involved, thanks to its biometric know-how. The system will send promotional offers to your smartwatch from nearby stores, so you can pick what you want to buy even before entering a shop. It will be available in over 50 countries worldwide.
The Sony Xperia Z has been confirmed for the US market but unfortunately, it won't sport the fingerprint scanner on the side like its international counterpart. We are not exactly sure why Sony decided to leave out the fingerprint scanner for the US version, but we are guessing it must be a patent issue. Whatever the reason may be, it is kind of hard to recommend a flagship smartphone with a premium price tag that doesn't even sport a feature which has become so rudimentary now that even $100 phones sport them.
The Xperia XZ will hit the US on October 2, with a 700 dollar (USD 699.99) price tag. The handset will be powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor, 3GB of RAM, IP68 certified water and dust resistance, a 2,900mAh battery and an attractive design which will come in Mineral Black, Forest Blue, Deep Pink and Platinum color options. There's also a whopping 23-megapixel rear mounted snapper, a 13-megapixel selfie cam and a 1080p 5.2-inch IPS LCD display. Considering that there are cheaper and may be even better options out there, will the Sony brand name be enough to lure you away from them?
Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)
The US variants of the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will be made available in the next month and they won't feature a fingerprint sensor. The suitable placement of the sensor in an elongated power button on the side of the phone was one of the major factors contributing to its popularity. But, it won't be made available in the US versions of these devices.
As per Sony it was a business decision to discard the sensor and to us it surely seems like a completely unexpected move. Certainly it won't contribute to the success of these devices in North america. We hope Sony has a rock solid reason behind this.
Sony's primary concern right now is to get things moving in the US, considering the plethora of problems the Xperia Z4v had during its US launch and problems that made Verizon ditch the device completely. Sony had to release the same device after few months under the Xperia Z3+ brand on Amazon and B&H. But it seems like Sony is on the verge of another botched up product launch.
There is a major unanswered question: why would Sony get rid of one of most popular feature from a flagship device? We'd have wait and watch to check out how the story will unfold and how would Sony tackle the any kind of adverse situation.
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