Fingerprint scanners are becoming a norm for mobile technology today, especially for smartphones. With Google's upcoming mobile operating system version, Android 6.0 or otherwise known as Marshmallow, they are raising that bar a tad bit higher.
Additional to fingerprint readers having been used to unlock phones as a security feature, Android 6.0 will add another application to it. Fingerprint identification will also be used to authorize purchases on Play store.
According to Android Police, the fingerprint reader will be disabled by default. To activate the feature, users can go to the Play Store settings and look under user controls. Once the authorization is activated, user will then have to enter a password to confirm. After this has been accomplished, one will now be able to purchase apps with the tap of a fingerprint.
As Google announced to OEMs last week, Marshmallow will require that all devices that providers want to be run on the mobile OS should have a non-deactivating fingerprint sensor. Google plans to expand the applications of the scanner to other security features.
Android Spin also adds that Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, which Google already launched to be Android 6.0 ready, now carry this fingerprint authorization feature. The website also goes on to add that user's children could potentially be recognised as the owner's as well.
Another purchasing feature that will be released in Marshmallow will be Android Pay, an NFC-based payment system from Google. Developer.com states that the feature aims to provide "simplicity, security and choice". It will be made available for devices running on Android 4.4 and above as well.
Native support for fingerprint sensors present in Android 6.0 is a big push for the adoption of this technology. Google has set the bar for the implementation of fingerprint scanning technologies that will push the boundaries of security for devices.
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