No fingerprint scanning technology for Samsung. Fingerprint scanning technology – as found rather unimpressively on the new iPhones – has been quite the hot topic the last few weeks, with everything from iOS flaws to humorous applications of the security feature occupying our attention. A while back I reported on supply chain issues with fingerprint scanner manufacturers – one that Apple had bought outright and another that Samsung was working closely with. While Apple managed to come through in the end, it may not have done them any favors. Samsung, on the other hand, don’t look like they’re in any particular rush.
We never officially admitted that Samsung was weighing the fingerprint system and Knox for Galaxy Note 3 for security functions. We are not yet developing the technology. – unnamed Samsung official.
The Note 3 came and went without a fingerprint scanner and Samsung has now officially stated they are ”not yet developing the technology.” A fingerprint scanner will of course appear in future Samsung devices, but it may be a little slower to roll out than you might expect. If the response to Apple’s inclusion of the TouchID scanner turns out to be generally negative it would make sense for Samsung to avoid it altogether. But if the scanner becomes a smartphone must-have, Samsung will find themselves playing catch up.
In the mobile sector, Samsung has been a fast follower instead of being a risk taker. It is waiting until its rival Apple opens up the market to some extent. – Yoon Jung-sun, Hyundai Securities