Samsung Reveals Galaxy S5 With Home Button Fingerprint Sensor, Accompanying 'Gear Fit' Band

[Websnapx2]

Am I wrong in assuming that you were seemingly taking a potshot at Samsung while trying to "exonerate" Apple.

People have different expectations - fair or not from different companies. But more importantly - just because someone questions one company doesn't mean they are obligated to question another.

That's called bias. The only time you wouldn't question the other is if you already know the answer or trust the company's long standing reputation in the field to already have a solid solution.

In this case the answer is no on both counts.

Apple created a secure part of the processor to store info that most software cannot access. They said as much at launch. Is it really too much to ask of Samsung to be as transparent as well? I wouldn't think so if it were to hold MY fingerprints.

 

[nefan65]

This is definitely not their best effort, IMO. But I think all the mobile players are suffering from lack of innovation. It's like anything else really; cars, homes, etc. There's only so much you can do with current technologies, and how they're manufactured. The latter has to be done in a cost effective manner too. I'm sure there's a way to make a flexible display, that's as thin as a piece of paper but at what cost to the consumer?

I suspect that the line between wearable devices and smartphones will blur in time, but I think we'll only see minor bumps in displays, processors, etc. for the foreseeable future; that and software changes. IMO...and for what's it worth.

 

[bushido]

Someone else to do it first? How about the s-pen, the fake leather back, the airview things?

Apple is going to be coming out with bigger screen phones but they won't be copying by doing that? Am I following you correctly?

oh boy that pen. i remember getting my iPhone 2G back in the day and everyone asked me why i would use a touch screen device with my fingers (everyone was used to a pen on win mobile and nokia back then) and here we are with samsung bringing back that damn pen no ones asking for as no one else seems to take samsungs "idea" of a pen thus far

 

[peterdevries]

What is the use of a heart rate sensor on the back of a smartphone?

 

[jrswizzle]

And I am not talking about Samsung, Samsung has copied the finger print scanner idea from Motorola too, but then copied the placement of it from Apple.



Oh I do not doubt the people on here will proclaim that!!

Only people looking to incite a flame war will claim this. Anyone with any objectivity (you know, the sane ones) will simply state that Apple needs to offer more options for those who want it.

To be quite honest, there's nothing revolutionary about a bigger screen. Not when Samsung did it with the Note. Not if Apple does it this year. Not ever.

It's simply more convenient for some. And for that reason, Apple should offer the option.

I'm still not sold. On the one hand, I carry two iPhones anyways, so I'll likely pick up the larger iPhone just because its different. But even after using variously sized Android devices for the last year, I still prefer the size of my iPhone.

Doesn't help that I carry my iPad mini with me almost everywhere.

 

[Websnapx2]

You mean those props who visit porn sites, or deliberately download stolen games files or films or apps, and then turn that little feature that blocks content from unknown sources to Off. Or the ones that hack their devices and install custom ROMS etc.

Oh THOSE sorts of people.....

Yeah, the sort of people who got an android because they were told it was "open" and tried to us it like an "open" device. You know, the ones that hack their devices and install custom ROMS etc.

 

[CausticPuppy]

Apple wins.

And also from The Verge:



Samsung’s version requires a vertical swipe over the home button to activate the scanner, and we found it to be quite unreliable and virtually impossible to activate when holding the phone in one hand. It can store up to three different digits, but it was very particular about the speed and orientation of the swiping motion used — if we weren’t doing a perfectly straight swipe down, it would refuse to unlock the phone.


So rather than a useful feature that adds to the user experience, it's a curiosity that won't ever be used except to show it off.... kinda like the revolutionary "face unlock" that came out with the GS3.

 

[samcraig]

Sure - I think the whole argument that guy is making is pointless. But I prefer to focus on implementation as opposed to a phrase.

I look at how things work and why they work the way they do. When looking at features this way, you find vastly different tech and motivations play huge roles in shaping the experience I have with said device.

As are most "who did it first" and even "who did it better"

Especially from so many that haven't even tried the various hardware or software they speak of. I know you have (except where the S5 is concerned) - but most just speak out of their you-know-whats here because they "just know."

But then again - I think we both choose phones that are best for us personally vs buying simply because it's one company vs another. Maybe I'm wrong - but I don't think I am.

Don't really care who was first or last (not that I wouldn't correct someone from being wrong). I also take into consideration that there's a natural evolution in the tech world regardless of who the players are. IE - people comparing tablets of the 90s to the iPad ignore the fact that tech back in the 90s didn't exist to make something so thin and powerful with a great battery life - and at a particular price point.

But I digress...

 

[Lancer]

The iPhone is still better, I can pick up my 5s and without looking find the Home button then open the phone with one had at any angle without looking down.

I agree Apple did it right and Sansung is just trying to catch up, either they can't make it work like the iPhone or they are scared of a law suit if they copied Apple again?

 

[spinedoc77]

That's a solid meh for the s5, an even bigger meh for the fitness tracker, I think far too much emphasis is put on these fitness trackers when it's pretty basic for someone to just take in less calories and walk more.

The S5 is ok, I mean it's a nice phone but Samsung still doesn't understand how to make a phone that feels like a premium phone. The fingerprint sensor is nice, hopefully it is better than the garbage on the iphone, but swiping downwards on such a large phone is not good IMO and will result in a lot of broken/dropped phones. One revolutionary thing I see is Samsung seems to want to open up the fingerprint sensor for uses other than unlocking the phone, something that lazy Apple isn't currently doing and a source of frustration seeing such a cool feature wasted.

I keep hearing people cry about Samsung "copying" Apple, I don't get this. Even if they did copy them, SO WHAT?!?! What are you people arguing? What are you going to win IF Samsung did copy Apple? It's just plain weird people who throw that around as if they were a master detective and caught Samsung in the act.

Personally I won't be buying the S5, I've never been a big fan of the S-series phones. I do have a Note 3 which I love that I use as my tablet and I'll probably get a Note 4. My main phone is a 5s and I'm very much looking forward to a larger iphone if that rumor pans out, otherwise I'll probably keep a small ip6 and my Note 3. Samsung has some cool stuff, but other than the larger screen I'm just not seeing anything they are doing that would make an iphone user switch.

 

[1984]

Looks pretty difficult to use the finger print scanner without two hands. Once again, Apple did it the right way.

and with Touch ID you can turn the phone on and unlock it simultaneously just by pressing the home button.

I hated the swipe sensors on my ThinkPads and this seems no different. You had to start the swipe well before you get to the sensor to be sure it gets a complete scan and it often failed regardless.

 

[jonblatho]

Sure, to people who prefer good simple Apple design its awful, but I have a feeling Galaxy users will find it super killah kool.

Correction: The Band-Aid is actually less painful than the Galaxy S5. This includes the pain that likely led to the Band-Aid.

 

[winston1236]

I feel that Samsung do the following timetable these days:

• Watch rumors coming from Apple - Develop & Release a wide range of these hoping they will get a hit
• Watch apple come out with latest tech
• Copy that tech - Fingerprint sensor, gold?

If they can design, QC, manufacture, and sell a feature on a phone that fast they are a pretty impressive company. Thats if you believe they started designing a fingerprint scanner when Apple came out with one. I don't.

 

[Dave.UK]

oh boy that pen. i remember getting my iPhone 2G back in the day and everyone asked me why i would use a touch screen device with my fingers (everyone was used to a pen on win mobile and nokia back then) and here we are with samsung bringing back that damn pen no ones asking for as no one else seems to take samsungs "idea" of a pen thus far

Just shows how knowledgable you are

The S-Pen is in a different league to a basic stylus.

 

[apolloa]

Only people looking to incite a flame war will claim this. Anyone with any objectivity (you know, the sane ones) will simply state that Apple needs to offer more options for those who want it.

To be quite honest, there's nothing revolutionary about a bigger screen. Not when Samsung did it with the Note. Not if Apple does it this year. Not ever.

It's simply more convenient for some. And for that reason, Apple should offer the option.

I'm still not sold. On the one hand, I carry two iPhones anyways, so I'll likely pick up the larger iPhone just because its different. But even after using variously sized Android devices for the last year, I still prefer the size of my iPhone.

Doesn't help that I carry my iPad mini with me almost everywhere.

Right, if you want to talk about screen sizes.........

With Android I have always been of the belief that it needs a big screen, because then you can use those widgets etc. iOS doesn't offer that so it works great with a small screen.
I was able to use my iPhone 4 quite happily, but I can use my Nexus 5 happily too, both for the reason I said. I do have bog pockets though so my Nexus 5 disappears as much as my iPhones used to.

But people want a bigger screen, I carry my Nexus 7 around, like you carry you iPad Mini, because to me they offer the best of both worlds as you get a proper big screen yet they are easily portable.

Now, many ask for a bigger screen iPhone, but what are they going to do on it? Because if your talking reading or playing games, a tablet is still better.

I was happy with my iPhone and only switched to the Nexus 5 because I hate iOS7, but size wise, as I have my Nexus 7, an iPhone was fine.

I actually hold the iPhone 4 as the best iPhone I ever had, and if iOS7 wasn't the mess it is, to me, then I may have just got an iPhone 4S. Because I feel they were better built then the iPhone 5 I had.

 

[jrswizzle]

As are most "who did it first" and even "who did it better"

Especially from so many that haven't even tried the various hardware or software they speak of. I know you have (except where the S5 is concerned) - but most just speak out of their you-know-whats here because they "just know."

But then again - I think we both choose phones that are best for us personally vs buying simply because it's one company vs another. Maybe I'm wrong - but I don't think I am.

Don't really care who was first or last (not that I wouldn't correct someone from being wrong). I also take into consideration that there's a natural evolution in the tech world regardless of who the players are. IE - people comparing tablets of the 90s to the iPad ignore the fact that tech back in the 90s didn't exist to make something so thin and powerful with a great battery life - and at a particular price point.

But I digress...

Very true. I tried Samsung - and really I felt my dislike was justified (except I did come away with a renewed respect for the build quality - didn't think the GS4 was "cheap" at all).

My beef simply stems from the fact that Samsung dominates Android with (in my opinion) crap software and so-so hardware while others like HTC (who I think make the best skinned Android smartphone on the market) struggle to survive.

I just hope we see some renewed competition in 2014. I also hope Apple takes a big step forward. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a big Apple fan. Their products are slick, clean and they work very well for me. I'd love to see them regain their dominance - at least in the US. Much of their decline has come at the expense of Samsung's rise, so if Samsung takes a step back, I could see other Android OEM's picking up some market share percentage AND Apple scooping up some with their larger screen offerings.

2014 will be a fun year. Looking forward to all the releases and rumors!

 

[samcraig]

and with Touch ID you can turn the phone on and unlock it simultaneously just by pressing the home button.

I hated the swipe sensors on my ThinkPads and this seems no different. You had to start the swipe well before you get to the sensor to be sure it gets a complete scan and it often failed regardless.

Apple needs to expand the functionality of the touch id.

Samsung - hardware success or not - has the right idea with having a separate photo section.

They also have the right idea by having a "kid safe" mode. This is where I give props to Samsung for listening to its (or even Apple's) customers.

 

[spinedoc77]

and with Touch ID you can turn the phone on and unlock it simultaneously just by pressing the home button.

I hated the swipe sensors on my ThinkPads and this seems no different. You had to start the swipe well before you get to the sensor to be sure it gets a complete scan and it often failed regardless.

Apple's FP sensor makes more sense for sure, when it works, I find it is pretty crappy and very hit or miss. Maybe Samsung traded off comfort for accuracy? I know I had a swipe style fp sensor on an old Fujitsu tablet and it worked pretty nicely.

 

[jonblatho]

The fingerprint sensor is nice, hopefully it is better than the garbage on the iphone...

If Touch ID is "garbage," you'll genuinely hate Samsung's implementation.

 

[jrbdmb]

oh boy that pen. i remember getting my iPhone 2G back in the day and everyone asked me why i would use a touch screen device with my fingers (everyone was used to a pen on win mobile and nokia back then) and here we are with samsung bringing back that damn pen no ones asking for as no one else seems to take samsungs "idea" of a pen thus far

But you know what's funny? I was looking for a folio case for the iPad Air, and there a fair number of reviews that will mark this or that case down because there is nowhere to store the stylus.

"What stylus?" iPads don't use a stylus! But apparently a lot of people are clamoring for an iPad stylus:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/10/2925937/best-stylus-ipad-review

 

[Agent-P]

On the software side - I like that it has a protected mode based on fingerprint access. You can have separate photos, etc.

You can also (with one click) turn over your phone to a child and they only have access to apps you've designated - nothing else.

Reminds me of the Kid's Corner feature from Windows Phone, but activated via fingerprint (which IMO makes it more convenient).

Well, it’s official: the iPhone 6 will not have a larger display. For a 4.7” screen, it would need a 555 PPI. If Samsung could not increase their PPI beyond 441 for the S5, in fact they even lowered it by a little (and let’s not forget they design and manufacture their own screens, thereby lowering component costs), then Apple will certainly not be able to do so while keeping their high profit margins on their flagship product. I guess we’ll have to put up with the 4” size for at least the next 2 years...

1080p panels are easily available. Apple could opt for 1080p, thus being able to increase screen resolution while maintaining the current aspect ratio in a larger size.

Did anyone notice that he never tried a finger that wasn't programmed?

Strangely, he used BOTH his thumb and index finger during fingerprint learning. Would have thought that would have given an error message, but didn't.

Makes you skeptical as to how reliable the scanner is at detecting non-self fingerprints.

Probably because when testing out a fingerprint scanner in a crowded room where other journalists are trying to also try it out, your main focus is seeing how well it works to actually get in. I'm sure once actual reviews come out they'll test how accurate the rejection is as well.

oh boy that pen. i remember getting my iPhone 2G back in the day and everyone asked me why i would use a touch screen device with my fingers (everyone was used to a pen on win mobile and nokia back then) and here we are with samsung bringing back that damn pen no ones asking for as no one else seems to take samsungs "idea" of a pen thus far

I would argue that the reason for that is due to the screen technologies back in the day vs what we have today. Back then, resistive touch screen was the standard tech and it was very difficult to be accurate on a resistive touch screen because your finger would connect more sections of the layers than just the point that you intended to hit (partially due to smaller screens and partially due to resistive touch screens having layers that physically needed to be connected to recognise an input). The first iPhone really nailed the capacitive touch screen technology which made finger inputs much more accurate. Now, with styli made by Wacom (the same tech Samsung uses in the S Pen), we are able to have features such as pressure sensitivity that isn't possible on current capacitive touch screens with our fingers. This allows for going all digital and replacing paper to be more practical for some people. And really, I'm glad the tech works for both options. It gives us choice to use what we want to use.

 

[jonblatho]

I really like that water resistant part. As someone who has had two iphones ruined by water, that's a really nice feature.

Investing in a water-resistant case would've likely been a lot cheaper than the repairs/replacements for those two iPhones, most likely. Sorry about that.

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

Well, it’s official: the iPhone 6 will not have a larger display. For a 4.7” screen, it would need a 555 PPI. If Samsung could not increase their PPI beyond 441 for the S5, in fact they even lowered it by a little (and let’s not forget they design and manufacture their own screens, thereby lowering component costs), then Apple will certainly not be able to do so while keeping their high profit margins on their flagship product. I guess we’ll have to put up with the 4” size for at least the next 2 years...

I've never seen so many foolish assumptions in such a small space.

 

[Greg.]

Why does MacRumors give Samsung so much attention? 11 pages of comment replies to this - this phone is nothing special and completely dull. I even thought the Gear Fit reveal was more interesting than the phone itself.

 

[samcraig]

My beef simply stems from the fact that Samsung dominates Android with (in my opinion) crap software and so-so hardware while others like HTC (who I think make the best skinned Android smartphone on the market) struggle to survive.

I like HTC - but I think Samsung has their camera software down much better. I'm not a fan of HTC's camera software at all. Which is unfortunate because it was one of the major deciding factors for me. I don't love all the extra bloat on Samsung devices (especially since a lot is duping of Google's services) but their camera software is superior (in my opinion)