Vivo shows its first smartphone with in-display fingerprint scanner at CES 2018, to launch in 'early 2018'

NEW DELHI: Few days ago Synaptics confirmed it has successfully created an in-display fingerprint scanner and the component is already in mass production by one of the top smartphone manufacturers. Although the company did not reveal the name of the particular manufacturer, an analyst recently confirmed the OEM to be none other than Vivo. Now, Vivo has confirmed the claims, giving some more details. 

At CES 2018, Vivo announced that it will be using Synaptics' in-fingerprint scanner in its upcoming smartphone. The smartphone is said to arrive in 'early 2018'. Although the time frame is still vague, we expect the component to debut in Vivo smartphones showcased at next month's MWC 2018 conference (if not later). 

The Chinese smartphone maker showcased the latest technology at CES 2018. 

With our efforts in extensive consumer research and long-term R&D investment, Vivo is well positioned to pioneer the development of fingerprint scanning technology. We first presented a prototype of our fingerprint scanning solution at MWC Shanghai 2017 based on an ultrasonic sensor, and have remained committed to realizing our vision for future smartphones," said Alex Feng, senior vice president of Vivo," Today's showcase of a ready-to-produce in-display fingerprint scanning smartphone featuring an optical fingerprint sensor is a big leap forward in bringing consumers this long-awaited, futuristic mobile experience. We are very excited to make it available to consumers soon." 

If Vivo successfully launches a smartphone with in-display fingerprint scanner, it will be leaving behind giants like Google, Apple and Samsung in terms of innovation. The feature was widely expected to arrive in Samsung Galaxy S flagship smartphones last year. However, fans were disappointed to see it missing. 

It is worth adding that since the component is said to work on OLED screens, it might as well work on devices such as Galaxy S smartphones, LG G series or the iPhone X. 

Synaptics, at the time of the launch, said that the Clear ID FS9500 optical in-display fingerprint sensor works on wet, dry and cold fingers. It is also said to be scratch proof and waterproof since it is covered with a glass. Synaptics claims that the Clear ID is twice as fast as the 3D facial biometrics.