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Announced back at Google I/O, Android 6.0 Marshmallow now has native support for fingerprint sensors. And seeing as both of the new Nexus smartphones – the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P – have fingerprint sensors, it wasn’t surprising. So how exactly do the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P use the fingerprints? Well we know that they will be used for securing your device, but you can also use them for Android Pay. So instead of needing to enter a PIN, you can simply use the fingerprint sensor to authorize the payment in Android Pay. Additionally, you can use the fingerprint sensor on the Nexus 5X and 6P to authorize purchases on the Google Play Store. Google also has stated that the Nexus Imprint (the fingerprint reader for the Nexus 5X and 6P) is open to other apps. So theoretically we should be able to use our fingerprint to login to apps, especially useful for password apps like LastPass.
Security and hacking is always a concern here. And Google has stated that they are encrypting your fingerprints so that no one can get their hands on them. Google isn’t the only company to do this either. Apple also did this when they announced Touch ID a few years ago. This is to protect their customers and also keep their mind at ease when it comes to privacy.
Fingerprint sensors have become very popular this year. Not only with Samsung, who has been using them since the Galaxy S5 in 2014, but now we’re seeing many Chinese manufacturers with them. Like the ZUK Z1, the Meizu MX4 Pro, MX5 and Pro 5 all have them as well.
Google has said, and in the demos they’ve shown, that the fingerprint sensor on both the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are lightning fast. Just tap the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device and it will automatically unlock your device, and you’re all set. You can also use it at the store. Tap the fingerprint sensor on the back to unlock the device, tap your phone on the terminal to use Android Pay. It really couldn’t be easier. Let’s just hope that’s how it works for everyone, in the real world.