New biometrics test lab for Android, phones with FPC sensors and faster facial recognition

Tech consultancy and testing provider Fime has formed a partnership with Android, becoming one of the first test laboratories eligible to conduct the OS’ biometric security evaluation, according to a company announcement.

A growing number of Android smartphones and other devices use facial recognition or fingerprint biometrics for device unlocking and user authentication, Fime points out, and all such implementations must meet Android’s standards.

OEMs, biometric component and software providers can now contract Fime to evaluate their anti-spoofing technology against Android’s requirements.

“To ensure stronger security, Android encourages its partners to have their biometric security evaluated by a test laboratory that meets Android requirements,” Stephanie El Rhomri, VP of Testing Services at Fime comments. “Our experts and lab services have supported the biometric community to verify the performance and spoof attack detection biometric solutions for a range of standards. This is an exciting new offering to facilitate smoother, more secure user experiences.”

Motorola announces nine smartphones with FPC sensors

A raft of new Android smartphones from Motorola are being launched with integrated biometric sensors from Fingerprint Cards, according to a company Tweet.

The Moto G8, Moto G9 Plus, Moto G9 Play, Moto E7 Plus, Motorola One-Fusion, Motorola One Fusion+, Moto G 5G Plus, Motorola RAZR 5G and Moto E (2020) all include FPC sensors.

Qualcomm announces new Snapdragon

New Qualcomm Snapdragon chips are expected to be found inside high-end Android phones starting in 2021, powering faster face biometrics and image recognition, CNBC reports, with the launch of the Snapdragon 888.

The chip includes an integrated 5G modem and a new Hexagon 780 artificial intelligence processor to speed up tasks like facial recognition.

The company says Xiaomi, Oppo and Motorola are among phone makers planning to use the new Snapdragon. CNBC says new Snapdragon chips typically take three years to develop and are found in smartphones with sticker prices of at least $1,000, though some of the features they introduce filter down to lower-cost devices.

Article Topics

Android  |  facial recognition  |  Fime  |  Fingerprint Cards  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Qualcomm  |  smartphones  |  standards  |  testing