Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Leak Indicates Upgrades To Fingerprint Scanner

The coming Galaxy Note 4 smartphone from Samsung Electronics Co. (KRX:005930) is likely to include an updated version of the fingerprint scanner feature that was introduced on the Galaxy S5 in April. The recently announced Galaxy Alpha smartphone also includes a fingerprint scanner, but several new software features are expected to accompany the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy Note 4.

Sources told SamMobile Monday that Samsung is working with Synaptics Natural ID solutions, a company that develops capacitive mechanisms for various electronics like smartphones and tablets, to develop the fingerprint scanner for the Galaxy Note 4. Current fingerprint features on Samsung’s compatible devices include Screen Lock, Private Mode with fingerprint authentication, Samsung Account Verification and PayPal Payments. But the Galaxy Note 4 will also have at least two new features, one called Fingerprint shortcuts and another called Web sign-in.

Fingerprint shortcuts let users swipe their finger to an icon directly on the lock screen, which will unlock the device and open the application as the same time. The HTC One (M8) has a similar feature called Motion Launch, which allows users to open apps like the camera and HTC’s Blink Feed launcher from the lock screen.

Web sign-in lets users utilize their fingerprints to sign into various websites in lieu of a password. SamMobile details that in order to activate the function users must log into a compatible website manually and then enable the fingerprint scanner settings.

Samsung should also clarify how the fingerprint scanner functions with the Galaxy Note 4. Many users reportedly complained that the fingerprint scanner feature on the Galaxy S5 often did not work, but it is likely many users were not using it correctly. SamMobile explains that one of the technologies used by Synaptics’ Natural ID solution is called LiveFlex. It is a two-part scanning mechanism, located within the home button and lower screen of a compatible device like the Galaxy S5.

Users are supposed to swipe their finger over the bottom part of the screen and the home button in order get a complete reading of their fingerprint. The reason many users likely had trouble is that they attempted to swipe their fingers only over the home button, which would not give a sufficient reading. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to have more detailed instructions on how to use the fingerprint scanner. These directions can also be used to properly unlock Samsung Galaxy S5 with the fingerprint scanner.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is also expected to include a 16-megapixel main camera with a host of new software features. The device will likely include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 or Samsung Exynos 5433 chipset, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The device may be water and dust resistant, and may also include a fingerprint scanner like the Samsung Galaxy S5. Other features rumored for the Galaxy Note 4 include an iris scanner, an ultraviolet sensor and a virtual reality headset called Samsung Gear VR, which would pair with the Galaxy Note 4.

Reports have indicated that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 could release on either Sept. 15 or Sept. 25. Samsung recently announced its Unpacked event for Sept. 3, where the Galaxy Note 4 is expected to be unveiled.