Samsung is anticipated to unveil its flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone at its Unpacked event in Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress. The Korean company has already sent out invitations for the event, which is scheduled for 20:00 CET, Monday, February 24, 2014. A few days ahead of the event, Sammobile has confirmed that the Galaxy S5 will sport a fingerprint scanner, similar to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 5S. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had already predicted a fingerprint scanner in the Galaxy S5.
How the Galaxy S5 fingerprint scanner would work
Though a Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.(ADR) (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) executive said recently that the company is considering iris eye scanner technology, it is unlikely to appear in the Galaxy S5. Sources familiar with the upcoming smartphone told Sammobile that the fingerprint scanner will appear on the home button of the Galaxy S5. Earlier, there were rumors that the actual screen of the device will act as a sensor, but that’s not the case. The scanner works in a swipe manner. Users have to swipe the entire pad of their finger at a medium speed on the home key to register their fingerprints properly. You will have to keep your finger flat against the home key, otherwise it may not recognize your fingerprint. Sources said the fingerprint sensor is sensitive to moisture. If you try to use it with wet fingers, it will show an error and ask you to dry your finger before trying again.
Moreover, the Korean electronics giant has decided to keep using physical buttons with the Galaxy S5, rather than on-screen buttons. Users will have the option to register seven other fingerprints and assign them to different app shortcuts and tasks. Of course, there will also be other security methods like a PIN code. Fingerprint scanners have become a craze since Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) added the technology to the iPhone 5S last year.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.(ADR) (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has developed a new Private Mode and Personal Folder in Galaxy S5. That’s where you can hide content, widgets and personal apps that you want to keep private. You can access the Private Mode and Personal Folder by swiping your registered finger on the home button. You can also use other methods like security PIN. The fingerprint sensor will allow you to sign in to various websites without asking for your username or password again.
Galaxy S5 to feature a health app
The Galaxy S5 is speculated to sport some unique features. Last week, the Korean company unveiled a new teaser for the Unpacked event, providing hints about new features such as improved battery life, a faster processor, new apps for fun and social networking, and upgraded security software in Galaxy S5. The teaser also hints at a new health and fitness app. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reportedly working on a health & fitness app called Healthbook for its next-gen iPhone. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.(ADR) (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) might want to edge out the iPhone maker by bringing a similar app earlier.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.(ADR) (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) will reportedly unveil the upgraded version of Galaxy Gear with Galaxy S5. The Galaxy Gear smartwatch was a failure, and received widespread criticism from users. The company is expected to improve its wearable device to lure customers. The Galaxy S5’s speculated features include a 3200mAh battery, 5.24-inch QHD AMOLED display, Android KitKat, 16MP main camera, 3.2MP front camera, 32GB and 64GB storage options, and of course, fingerprint scanner.
Which U.S. carrier will launch Galaxy S5 first?
German telecom carrier O2 has created a sign-up page on its website to let customers know when the Galaxy S5 will officially be launched on the carrier. Experts say leading telecom carriers in the U.S. may put up a pre-order page on their websites for the Galaxy S5. In the U.S., the Galaxy S5 is expected to first roll out at big carriers, and smaller carriers are likely to follow within weeks. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has strong relations with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.(ADR) (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930), so it may easily be the first U.S. carrier to release the Galaxy S5.
