Windows 10 Mobile: native support for fingerprint scanners in summer

At the recent WinHEC conference, Microsoft has got to show the news related to the Windows 10 / Windows 10 Mobile authentication system. Hello Windows uses biometrics to offer the user a secure and fast access to the operating system. With Windows 10 devices you can use a number of readers and scanners of biometric data, from traditional print readers, to get to RealSense cameras that perform face recognition.

As for Windows Mobile 10, the number of tools is more limited and does not include, at the time, the fingerprint scanner, more and more widespread in the smartphone. The situation is likely to change over the summer: even Windows 10 Mobile natively support the fingerprint sensor. The news is confirmed in official document published at the conference.

First Microsoft emphasizes that the drivers on the management of the x86 PC fingerprint sensors can be recompiled to support ARM processors - the Windows Hello framework will be substantially shared between the desktop version and mobile operating system. Also interesting notes on how to integrate the biometric sensors that can be an integral part of the smartphone or interact with it in the form of external devices.

The second option extends the scope of application, also offering to those who own a smartphone Windows Mobile 10 devoid of the ability to leverage the new features of fingerprint scanner with an external player. The other technical note contained in the official document illustrates the two modes of operation of the fingerprint sensor 10 supported by Windows Mobile, or through touch or swipe through.

Microsoft confirmed recently that some producers, including CVT, and Synaptics, have already begun work to the implementation of such sensors in Windows 10 Mobile, others will have to work closely with ODM to achieve the same result. It is not known at the time how many companies are working on new Windows Mobile 10 models equipped with fingerprint sensors d. The first of which is news continues to be that HP will begin distributing the end of summer in the Italian market its Elite x3.

HP has chosen to support the new features of Windows Mobile 10 with an integrated solution in the smartphone body. During our recent visit the Innovation Center of HP, we were able to touch a new version of the Elite x3 prototype that integrated in the rear of the body of the fingerprint sensor, a feature absent in the initial prototype seen in Barcelona.

The fingerprint sensors are becoming more common in mobile computing, even in products for the consumer market. It is, at the same time, a safety feature that may arise for the attention of users to the company which cater products like the above mentioned HP Elite x3.

Please note that Microsoft will make available over the summer - tentatively at the end of July - the Anniversary Update Windows 10, both for desktop systems, and mobile devices. Support to the fingerprint scanner in Windows 10 Mobile will probably included in this update.