Samsung is preparing to include an in-display fingerprint sensor in its next smartphone series, the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus, which will be launched at the Mobile World Congress festival in February 2019.
But next-generation phones may not be the only devices to include this sleek new technology, which allows gadget owners to place their finger on a glass screen to authenticate their identity.
According to a new patent filed by Samsung, the fingerprint sensor will be embedded in the bottom half of the smartwatch's display. As with mobile phones, the fingerprint scanner will likely be used to unlock the device, access sensitive data held in apps like banking, and authenticate contactless transactions.
Currently, Galaxy Watch owners must set a four-digit PIN to make contactless transactions via NFC. If the PIN is entered incorrectly 10 times, any credit or debit cards in their PayPay account will be deleted from the Galaxy Watch as a security measure to protect against fraud.
Using a fingerprint sensor is more secure than a PIN code and means the experience across all of Samsung's latest smartphones and wearable gadgets is the same, given that users can already use their fingerprint to authenticate payments on their phones.
Like the Galaxy Watch, the rival Apple Watch allows users to unlock the wearable with a PIN. However, it can also be unlocked using the Touch ID fingerprint sensor or the Face ID facial recognition system on the iPhone paired with the watch.
Once the smartwatch is unlocked, it can be used to make contactless payments with Apple Pay. Once the Apple Watch detects that it is no longer in contact with your hand, it will lock – disabling the ability to use Apple Pay until it is unlocked again.
According to the patent, which was spotted by technology blog Patently Apple, Samsung hopes to integrate a fingerprint scanner under its LCD, LED, OLED, and e-ink displays.
It is expected to be more accurate and reliable compared to the optical sensors used in older smartphone models.
However, nothing is completely certain yet. After all, many of Samsung's patents with different technology and features have never managed to be incorporated into the final product.
Nevertheless, a fingerprint scanner would probably be a welcome addition for those who own a Galaxy Watch and use their smartwatch for contactless transactions.
