Google Pixel smartphones have been go-to devices for Android purists. Fans of the open-source operating system who prefer a refined software experience without Android skins tend to prefer Pixel devices. However, Google's no-nonsense approach also translates into slow adoption of new features. For instance, while the majority of smartphone makers have moved onto an in-display fingerprint scanner, the latest Google Pixel 5 is stuck with a conventional rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Going by the latest report from XDA Developers, it seems Google is prepping to add the in-display fingerprint scanner to the Pixel 6.
The speculation is based on code found in the second developer preview of the upcoming Android 12 operating system. An eagle-eyed developer named kdrag0n spotted "UdfpsControllerGoogle" in the SystemUIGoogle app. For the uninitiated, "Udfps" translates to "under-display fingerprint scanner." Such mention was also found in a previous build, but back then it wasn't tied to Pixel devices. It could have been generic support in the Android Open Source Project for hardware partners looking to implement under-display biometrics in their devices.
While there is still no conclusive evidence about the existence of an in-display fingerprint scanner for the Pixel 6, such code analysis has uncovered features in Google devices in the past. For example, speculation regarding the wireless charging accessory named Pixel Stand in 2018 was right on the money.
The first smartphone to feature an in-display fingerprint scanner was the X20 Plus UD from Vivo, which is owned by BBK Electronics Corporation. For this feature, the Chinese company had collaborated with Synaptics. The unlocking speed of this implementation was a bit sluggish, so in response, Vivo switched to a new sensor from Shenzhen-based company Goodix for its next smartphone dubbed Nex. Now, the technology has matured and works well on popular phones including the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. This could be the reason why Google thinks it is the right time to bake this feature into its next big Pixel upgrade.
On a side note, the Android operating system dominates the global smartphone market. Thanks to its open-source nature and customizability, it controls almost 72 percent worldwide market share. However, it has its issues. The Android operating system's ability to support a variety of hardware has led to fragmentation in terms of software versions. To make matters worse, dozens of manufacturers push their own skin on top of Android, so tech enthusiasts often complain about the lack of cohesive experience in the Android camp. Google tried to address these issues by delivering its vision of the Android experience with a minimalistic interface and timely software updates, so now time will tell if it adds this new fingerprint scanner too.
Source: XDA Developers