In-display fingerprint sensors for smartphones unveiled

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The California-based developer of touch devices, Synaptics' unveiled on Tuesday the world's first optical in-display fingerprint sensors to be used under a smartphone display, clearing one of the problems all-screen smartphone users face.

The product, dubbed as "Clear ID", is faster than Apple's Face ID, the company said in a statement released online.

Contrary to current sensors available in the market, Clear ID can be used with wet and cold fingers, it said, adding that the sensors are equipped with a high-security system.

Synaptics's optical in-display fingerprint sensors /Photo courtesy Synaptics

The sensor will appear on flagship phones coming in the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

Craving for all-screen

The phone industry appears to be interested in making all-screen smartphones. Recent examples include iPhone X, Huawei Mate 10 and Xiaomi Mi Mix series.

Xiaomi's Mi Mix 2 /Screenshot from Xiaomi website

All these phones, however, are not entirely all-screen as makers could not remove all options from the front-side.

Apple excluded iPhone's home button for the first time in the company's history, replacing it with a 3D facial recognition device, which remains on the front-side.

Some of the users complained about the sensor's positioning, saying it looks awkward.

Xiaomi shifted the fingerprint sensor to the back of the Mix, but Synaptics think it is not the best solution.

"Consumers prefer fingerprint authentication on the front of the phone, and with the industry quickly shifting to bezel-free OLED infinity displays, the natural placement of the fingerprint sensor is in the display itself," said Kevin Barber, senior vice president, and general manager, Mobile Division, Synaptics.

Apart from the fingerprint sensor, there is another part even harder to remove.

The front-facing camera is critical for selfie lovers, but no phone maker has yet been able to hide the lens behind the screen.