Android 16 has a useful new fingerprint unlock characteristic

Android 15 solely arrived lately, however speak is already shifting to Android 16. The following main replace for Android is now out there in developer preview, and it is obtained a useful new fingerprint unlock characteristic.

With Android 16 Developer Preview 2 there is a new characteristic referred to as “Display-off fingerprint unlock” that enables customers to unlock their telephone with its fingerprint sensor when the gadget’s display screen is totally off.

Proper now, the characteristic is barely supported on the Pixel 9 collection, possible as a result of the telephones have an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Based on 9to5Google, the characteristic pops up within the Settings seek for the Pixel 8 Professional, however there is not an choice to allow it, possible as a result of it makes use of an optical fingerprint sensor. It is unclear if different Android telephones with ultrasonic fingerprint sensors will assist this characteristic sooner or later, however hopefully, they are going to.

The way to allow Display-off fingerprint unlock

This characteristic is nice for individuals who do not use always-on show

When you’re on Android 16’s newest developer preview and need to check out this characteristic in your Pixel 9, head over to Settings > Safety & privateness > Gadget unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock to allow it.

When you use always-on show (AOD), this characteristic may not be a giant deal to you, as the flexibility to unlock your telephone along with your fingerprint is at all times there. Nevertheless, for those who’re like me and do not use AOD in your Pixel, this characteristic is a welcome addition and takes benefit of the Pixel 9’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor makes use of sound waves, not gentle, to seize your fingerprint, so it may be used when the show is turned off. Optical fingerprint sensors work by shining a light-weight in your finger and taking an image. Since optical depends on gentle, it is extra difficult to make use of in low-light environments and when the display screen is off.

When you aren’t able to check out Android 16 simply but, don’t be concerned, as Google lately launched its December Pixel Feature Drop, which is stuffed with new options to check out in your Pixel.

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