Google Pixel 6 reportedly ditching physical fingerprint scanner — and I’m going to miss it

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Google Pixel half-dozen reportedly ditching physical fingerprint scanner — and I'thou going to miss information technology

(Image credit: Google)

The concrete fingerprint scanner is not particularly mutual at the moment, and it looks like information technology's about to become even rarer. Why? Because it seems every bit though the Google Pixel vi volition finally launch with an under-display fingerprint scanner.

Or at least that's what it looks similar, based on a now-deleted tweet from Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google's Senior Vice President for Android. The tweet featured a screenshot with a prominent fingerprint icon.

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Lockheimer'due south tweet was apparently supposed to show off Android's new 'Material You' UI, which is set to launch with Android 12, but it came with an extra surprise we probably shouldn't have seen.

Hiroshi Lockheimer apparently posted (and then deleted) a screenshot from what'due south likely the Pixel 6 Pro (the image resolution was 1440x3200.) The phone is connected to Verizon 5G, likely the carrier'due south sub-6GHz network. Also shown is the position of the UDFPS.H/T @jspring86az picture show.twitter.com/Pessh7RvNVAugust 24, 2021

Run into more

While the Pixel 4 ditched the physical fingerprint sensor for a more than elaborate facial recognition system, other Pixel phones have kept the concrete fingerprint scanner effectually, long later on large numbers of flagship phone makers started offering under-display fingerprint scanners.

Even the Pixel 5 and the newly announced Pixel 5a take physical fingerprint scanners on the rear of the telephone. Just it looks like the Pixel 6 is ending that trend in favor of a more hi-tech solution.

It's not a huge surprise. For starters, Google has already revealed what the Pixel 6 volition look similar, and there's no sign of a dedicated fingerprint scanner or the sensors needed for a more complicated face unlock. Short of offering zero biometric security whatsoever, it stands to reason that Google has a born under-display fingerprint scanner on the way.

It doesn't actually confirm anything, though, and it could just exist that this icon is from a non-Google device that already has an under-display fingerprint scanner. Though it would be odd for a Google executive to be tweeting about new features, and non be using as Google-made phone.

I'm going to miss the physical fingerprint scanner

But, as much as I agree with the fact Google needs to move the Pixel range forwards, I am going to miss the physical fingerprint scanner. Nether-display scanners are cracking, and I have no complaints about them working, just it's not quite the same as using a tactile sensor on the back of the phone.

Later on all, an under-display fingerprint sensor is hampered past the fact information technology's underneath a smooth glossy touchscreen, and you can't tell exactly where it is without looking. Whereas a concrete fingerprint scanner tin exist institute while your phone is still in your pocketbook or pocket, meaning the phone is ready to go past the fourth dimension it's at heart level.

Ditching the physical scanner also means that the fingerprint sensor gestures will be dying off. Google'due south biggest one was the ability to pull down your notification bar past swiping forth the sensor, which could evidence very useful in some situations.

But progress is progress, and an nether-display fingerprint scanner does offering some benefits. A sleeker await for 1, and meliorate security if the phone in question offers ultrasonic fingerprint recognition instead of a cheaper optical sensor. And it takes up less space inside the telephone, which makes room for more than hardware.

I'm not going to make a phone-buying decision based on just this 1 feature. All the same, I am rather excited near the Pixel 6, and it'south only a shame that the physical fingerprint scanner could be going away.

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Tom is the Tom'south Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can unremarkably exist found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long style from his days as editor of Gizmodo Uk, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego ready onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him purchase the stuff he really needs online.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/google-pixel-6-reportedly-ditching-physical-fingerprint-scanner-and-im-going-to-miss-it

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