FIDO-Based Fingerprint Authentication for Android

Android phones will be coming out offering FIDO-Based Fingerprint Authentication in 2014. According to a USA Today story, the president of the FIDO Alliance stated consumers "will be able to choose from the latest Android models that will come equipped with a biometric sensor capable of letting him swipe his fingerprint to access a wide range of his online accounts." Members of the FIDO Alliance include Google, PayPal and Lenovo.

The new phones will be available by early next year. According to USA Today, The Alliance is developing an open industry standard for biometric data such as fingerprints to be used for identification online. The goal is to replace clunky passwords and take friction out of logging on and purchasing using mobile devices. Near field communication (NFC) is one of the security measures included with the standards along with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Consumers today are adapting rapidly to mobile payments which demand organizations to deliver services which are safe and positive for users. The FIDO-based Android devices are expected to compliment Google's mobile operating system. The FIDO organization consists of around 48 companies which are in the process of developing the Android devices.  Google has already been a long term member of the alliance.

*Precise Biometrics

Android biometric devices have come a long way. Precise Biometrics has recently launch a Flexible Multi-Platform Design device called Tactivo Mini. The Android device connects directly via a micro USB cable. The Android app integration provides users with a self-contained authentication that can also integrate with third-party identity managers and service providers through a Precise Mobile Toolkit designed for Android.

The company had also just rolled out its First Smart Phone with Precise Biometrics. The Android devices are enabled with a “ Technology Precise Biometrics” algorithm which was made possible through a partnership with Fingerprint Cards (FPC). First Smart Phone with Precise Biometrics is the world’s first smartphone that has a built in FPC sensor with Precise Biometrics Algorithm. So far the mobile devices had only been released in the Asian market.

The mass adoption of biometrics is critical for today with the growth in mobile. With the security and identity theft at a high rate, installing the proper biometrics to Android devices according to FIDO standards will be beneficial. The worst scenarios Android users do not want to have are having their data compromised. Relying on strong passwords is good however further security measures such as FIDO-Based Fingerprint Authentication are even stronger.

Android Biometrics

Working with the Android biometrics devices will offer users valuable features such as  privacy and the ability to manage or limit data information. Biometrics is a great technology solution that enables serialization and offer even more potential advantages in this area. With more growth, improvements and integration of biometrics can prevent anti-counterfeiting. Android technological advancements will help biometrics expand and delivery more accuracy.