In addition to a new SoC, Qualcomm is announcing a new fingerprint sensing technology for Snapdragon-based devices.

While most fingerprint sensors currently use high-resolution capacitive sensors, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sense ID uses ultrasonic sound waves in order to map the surface of the finger. This allows for greater resolution to recognize features such as pores and fingerprint ridges to improve security, along with reduced sensitivity to moisture and other contaminants. In addition, this technology can work through glass and sapphire cover lenses, along with metal and plastic casings.

Snapdragon Sense ID will launch first on Snapdragon 810 and 425 devices, but will be compatible with all 400, 600, and 800 series Snapdragon SoCs, and will support the FIDO authentication standard.

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  • kpkp - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    Will this work under the display?
  • WorldWithoutMadness - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    It's clearly stated "In addition, this technology can work through glass and sapphire cover lenses, along with metal and plastic casings."
    So it depends what kind of display you're talking about.
    Black/Gold and Blue/White display? Nono
  • kpkp - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    I read that, but it doesn't mention the range...
  • UpSpin - Wednesday, March 4, 2015 - link

    OLED, most probably, because it's just the thin display layer.
    LCD, more difficult, because it consists of at least two layers. (thick backlight, thin display)
  • MrSpadge - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    Ultrasonic through solid materials? This sounds interesting for sure!
  • ChuckDriver - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    It may sound interesting to you, but I can't hear ultrasonic sounds.
  • BMNify - Monday, March 2, 2015 - link

    The phone manufacturers should make interesting use of this sense-id, lets see who comes first, i think it will take 1-2 years for it to appear in many phones as phone design timelines won't allow such integration within 6 months time.

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