Online and device security are among the biggest concerns of smartphone and tablet users these days. And those concerns are at least part of the reason Samsung has included Synaptics’ Natural ID fingerprint scanning technology in the new Galaxy Note 4 phablet.
Samsung introduced its latest phablet at its #UNPACKED event recently in Berlin. It’s about a year since Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 3.
The Note 4 also features a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) Super AMOLED display. (That’s a special new kind of organic light-emitting diode technology using lower power at lower cost.)
It has a 16MP rear-facing camera along with a 3.7MP front-facing camera. The large screen allows users to work with the phablet’s Multi Window feature. Multi Window allows two apps to be running simultaneously on the same screen.
Samsung is also touting improved functionality for its S-Pen device. This includes improved handwriting features and more functions that use the S-Pen when working with the device.
In an official statement issued with the release of the new device, JK Shin, CEO and head of IT and mobile communication at Samsung Electronics, explained:
“With the introduction of the Galaxy Note series, we brought the age-old culture of the pen and notepad into the digital world. The new Galaxy Note 4 introduces the most refined Note experience to-date by combining all the latest technology that users expect from the Galaxy series.”
The fingerprint scanner included with the Galaxy Note 4 will actually be split into two parts. One part will be included on the Home button of the device and the other half will be within the screen. The phablet will read the fingerprints it scans from both surfaces before unlocking the device and allowing a user to access other functions.
The Galaxy Note 4 fingerprint identification technology will enable several different features on the phablet. SamMobile.com reports that the Note 4 will have Screen Lock, Private Mode, Samsung Account Verification, and PayPal Payments linked with the fingerprint technology. These features have already been included on the Galaxy S5 smartphone.
Synaptics says that its Natural ID technology is online transaction ready. According to the company’s website:
“Natural ID sensors are compliant with FIDO, the industry-standard for online transactions. FIDO-compliant websites and web apps seamlessly interact with the fingerprint sensor to replace cumbersome and hard-to-remember passwords.”
New to the Note 4 is a feature called Fingerprint Shortcuts. SamMobile.com reports the feature will allow users to access different apps and shortcuts on their Note 4. For example, you can securely log in instantly to your favorite websites once you’ve initially manually entered your information so long as you’ve used the Galaxy Note 4 fingerprint ID to access the device first.
Image: Samsung
Aira Bongco
The fingerprint thing is quite cool. I have yet to see a phablet that can do this.
I am also waiting to upgrade to the 4. I have a Note 2 that I love – even broke my dependency on keyboard keys and syluses.lol But I think fingerprint ID will be an interesting engagement feature that will be adopted by other tablet/phablet makers – I like that there are two levels of access, and can image the feature appearing on corporate issued devices to provide employees mobility while protecting documents.
A fingerprint scanner sounds futuristic. I like it. I’ll be curious to see how it works in certain scenarios, like what if you’ve been jogging and your fingers are sweaty, or you’ve just come out of the shower – will the scanner still recognise your print or is it sensitive to moisture, or even temperature? What if you’ve cut your finger you’ve been using all the while, it’s plastered up – can you use one of your others?
Macrina Sanchez
You can enter up to 3 fingerprints and you also enter a password in case you’re not able to use the fingerprint. The phone is amazing!!
Jitendra Shekhawat
Galaxy Note 4 is best mobile because he is giving lot of features and we don’t know about some features in note 4…