Innovations in mobile biometrics: MWC 2018 news roundup

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 is underway in Barcelona through March 1, featuring demonstrations of a number of new features and innovations in mobile biometrics. Both facial and fingerprint recognition technology are continuing to advance in mobile devices, but other modalities, combinations, and new capabilities are also being showcased.

Samsung introduces new mobile biometric features

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus introduce a new feature called Dedicated Fingerprint, which enables users to access a secure screen with a different finger than the one they normally use to unlock the smartphone. The new models also introduce Intelligent Scan, which uses facial recognition with the front camera and iris scanner for convenient, secure device unlocking. AI and deep learning algorithms allow Intelligent Scan to work at different angles, greater distances, and in different lighting conditions, Android Headlines reports.

Alcatel adds facial recognition

Two of the three new smartphone series being showcased by Alcatel[https://us.alcatelmobile.com/] at MWC, the Alcatel 5 and 3 series, feature its new Face Key technology which unlocks the device, according to IDG Connect. The Alcatel 5, which has a bezel-less design, also includes a fingerprint sensor on the back.

Nokia unveils new smartphones

Several of the five new Android smartphones Nokia[https://www.nokia.com/en_int] is showing off at MWC include biometric features. The Nokia 6, 7, and 8 Sirocco each include a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for device unlocking, though the entry-level Nokia, which starts at $85 does not, according to TechCrunch. Each of the higher-end devices is powered by a processor from the Qualcomm Snapdragon family.

ImageWare partners demonstrate multi-factor solution, biometrics-as-a-service

ImageWare is demonstrating its GoVerifyID Enterprise Suite at SAP’s booth, and will deliver a presentation from there on “How to Protect Your SAP Systems with Strong Multi-Factor Authentication” on Wednesday, February 28 at 10:40 AM. The company’s integration with Fujitsu’s Biometric-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, which recently became available in Australia, is also featured at Fujitsu’s booth.

Idemia solution secures rental and shared cars

Idemia has implemented facial recognition technology with Omoove’s EasyOpen to secure rental and shared cars through the driver’s smartphone and it is being demonstrated at MWC. Users complete a digital enrolment process by registering ID documents, and then authenticate their identity with a selfie to unlock the car with EasyOpen. An initial version of the solution has been launched. Read more here.

Gradiant joins 4YFN

Gradiant is showcasing its faceIDNN document and facial recognition solution, and its selfie&sign signature and facial recognition solution at MWC Barcelona’s startup business platform “4 Years From Now” (4YFN). Gradiant’s biometric handwritten signature technology designed for the Samsung Galaxy Note, Dynamic Signature Verification (DSV), is also on display.

Egis presents under-display fingerprint sensor

Egis Technology is presenting multiple biometric innovations at its MWC booth, according to an announcement, including its optical under-OLED fingerprint sensor. The company is also displaying its depth-sensing facial recognition solution, which it says offers compelling cost advantages.

Goodix acquires CommSolid

Goodix announced at MWC that it has acquired cellular IoT company CommSolid to accelerate the development of its System-on-Chips (SoCs) for secure, low power wireless solutions. The acquisition will allow Goodix to target new applications in smart homes, transportation, logistic systems, and industrial segments. Read more here.

Vivo increases in-display sensor area

After introducing the prototype for its X20 Plus UD smartphone with in-display fingerprint authentication from Synaptics at CES 2018, Vivo is showing off its Apex concept phone, featuring fingerprint recognition in a significantly larger area at MWC, The Verge reports. The fingerprint sensor in the X20 Plus UD is a fairly standard button-sized target, while Vivo calls the sensing area in the Apex “Half-Screen,” and the Verge estimates a third or two-fifths of the total screen area. Synaptics has not been confirmed as the provider of the fingerprint technology, but based on cagey comments about the ongoing development of the technology made by Synaptics Vice President of Marketing Godfrey Cheng during a recent demonstration of the X20 Plus UD, it seems more than likely.

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Article Topics

Egis Technology  |  Goodix  |  Gradiant  |  IDEMIA  |  ImageWare  |  mobile biometrics  |  MWC  |  Samsung  |  Synaptics