Goode predicts mobile biometric growth
But tech must be connected to services
04 February, 2014
category: Biometrics, Corporate, Digital ID
Goode Intelligence predicts that by the end of 2015 there will be 619 million people using biometrics on their mobile devices. This not only refers to fingerprint biometrics but other modalities including voice, iris, facial and behavioral biometrics.
The consumerization of biometrics is making mobile device protection and identity verification more convenient. Goode Intelligence believes that the iPhone 5s is just the start of the trend for embedding biometric sensors and services into consumer electronic devices and it will have a transformational effect on how we interact with technology and digital services, says Alan Goode, founder of Goode Intelligence.
These trends are explored in a new series of Market Intelligence reports that Goode Intelligence is publishing on a monthly basis; Fingerprint Biometrics and Mobile and Wearable Biometrics.
The next stages of consumer biometrics will create solutions that are seamlessly integrated, including embedding fingerprint sensors within touch screens and touch pads; the next generation of consumer fingerprint sensor – “Invisible Touch.”
The next stage in the evolution of mobile device-based fingerprint sensors is driven by the need for greater user convenience combined with a trend to remove physical buttons from smart mobile devices.
Positioning the fingerprint sensor underneath, or within the touch screen enables mobile device Original Equipment Manufacturers to remove physical buttons. It also retains the convenient method of touching a finger on the front of a mobile device for identification.
Invisible touch is not only suitable for smart mobile devices. Any consumer electronic device that uses a touch screen and a touch pad has the potential to integrate a touch fingerprint under or within the screen. This could include smart TVs, single-use gaming handhelds, tablets, touchscreen monitors, smart watches, hybrid notebooks and touchscreens integrated into domestic appliances and smart house control technology.
This is potentially a huge market and is part of the wider consumerization of biometrics that will revolutionize how we interact with technology.
There is, however, an important caution that Goode delivers. “Our experience proves that it is one thing having access to biometric sensors but, these sensors must be connected to services that are in demand,” Goode says. “Unlocking a device is simply not a compelling reason to equip it with a biometric sensor or biometric software service.”
Goode Intelligence reports that the growth in biometrics, especially in the consumer space, will be limited if services are not successfully linked to the biometric sensor. It believes that this can be achieved and there are positive signs that the enabling underlining infrastructure to support biometrics is being prepared for large-scale adoption. A combination of standards initiatives, a secure and trusted platform and individual ecosystems, like Apple’s Touch ID, will play a role in making sure that users can conveniently identify themselves across a wide range of devices and services.