Samsung files patent to make its fingerprint sensor even more useful
It’s no secret that Samsung files patents for ideas that never come to fruition, whether that’s for devices or for software. The latest patent to come out shows that Samsung may have plans for making its fingerprint sensor even more useful.
Similar to what we’re seeing from Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL, this patent shows that users will be able to access different applications or perform specific activities with a swipe. The patent drawing shows that a swipe up would then open an accompanying app after the device is unlocked. This could then be repeated depending upon the direction that the sensor is swiped before unlocking the device.
However, there is a question of whether Samsung will actually put this patent to use in any of its smartphones. This question comes into play after reports have surfaced surrounding the fingerprint sensor on the upcoming Galaxy S8. These reports suggest that Samsung will be moving away from the traditional fingerprint sensor, in favor of “optical fingerprint recognition technology”.
Although this new patent would definitely be useful, it’s not likely that we’ll see it in Samsung’s next flagship. However, there is a chance that we could see the feature on one of Samsung’s mid-range devices.