Qualcomm’s new fingerprint scanners can scan through display, underwater

The story of 2017 was shaping up to be one of under-screen fingerprint scanners. All eyes were on Samsung to deliver the technology first, reducing the need for a dedicated fingerprint scanner space. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be with the Galaxy S8 (review), as the technology proved to be difficult to integrate.

Now, Qualcomm has stepped up to the plate, announcing new fingerprint scanners in Shanghai this week. And yes, the chipmaker says it can be integrated into smartphone screens.

“Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensor for Display is the mobile industry’s first commercially announced multi-functional ultrasonic solution capable of scanning through OLED display stacks of up to 1200um [1.2mm – ed], along with enrolling and matching,” the US colossus wrote on its website.

Qualcomm’s new fingerprint scanners could mean under-screen authentication is closer than ever before

The new scanners also deliver underwater scanning, as well as support for “directional” gestures. Qualcomm’s tech is also delivering a potentially big step for security and health-related tasks with the ability to “detect heart beat and blood flow” for better authentication.

Qualcomm says its solution is designed for future Snapdragon-toting platforms and for use on devices without Snapdragon chips. Perhaps a future Samsung device, then?

“Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensor for Display is expected to be available for OEMs to evaluate in the fourth quarter of 2017,” the firm says. However, it’s already demonstrating the tech on Vivo XPlay6 smartphones at MWC Shanghai. Check out a promo clip of the tech below.

Unlocking to new possibilities for your devices! Vivo proudly uncovers the latest Under Display Fingerprint Scanning Solution. #VivoMWC2017 pic.twitter.com/S0lISpZ2q5

— Vivo India (@Vivo_India) June 28, 2017