Apple granted patent for fingerprint reader on the power key

13 June 2017
Additional patents describe ways to put Touch ID below the screen.

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Suz, 27 Aug 2020The X1 II FP scanner is with power button again now. What c... moreWe are now on Mark 5 of the Xperia 1 (and, of course, the 5 series and 10 series). Sony did eventually find different implementation ways for them, as it has been that way since Mark II. Currently, on the Mark 5, Sony still uses the physical side fingerprint sensor. Although under-display is getting better, there are some differences that Sony Engineers feel are why under-display isn't convincing, like noticeable lag and finickiness when wet, and screen protectors may interfere with the fingerprint sensor. And Sony's side-mounted fingerprint is Sony's signature design choice and has been a Sony staple since 2015. Sony messed with FPS placement in 2018, and it was hated. And in the latest poll about fingerprint sensors by Sony during this decade, overwhelming numbers still prefer side FPS over under-display, let alone on the back. I mean, there's a reason why Asus reverted Zenfone's fingerprint from under the display in ZF8 to side FPS in ZF9/10.

    • Suz
    • ULM
    • 27 Aug 2020

    The X1 II FP scanner is with power button again now. What changed? Or did Sony find different implementation ways for them. For real tho they should just go with under-screen FP scanner already

      This is ridiculous that Sony used the first but Apple got its patent, I think Sony did research and development before Q2, but Apple is an American brand so it's easier to get a patent in America

        • L
        • LoboOne
        • Mfx
        • 21 Jul 2017

        Stupid patent law, how come only sketch and theory could receive patent where no product is produced.

          • D
          • AnonD-635604
          • KZ8
          • 18 Jul 2017

          AnonD-521587, 17 Jul 2017they even wanted to buy the company. But because of this So... moreOhhh...

            • D
            • AnonD-521587
            • kcM
            • 18 Jul 2017

            ANNOYINGMOS , 18 Jul 2017what you mean is that Sony make it 1st while apple still a ... moresome people are saying while Sony came with the device first apple was the first to patent it. And from a legal perspective Apple has it the patent rights to it despite doing it later.

            This situation is really stupid. Do we blame sony for not patenting it or the US patent system corrupt? hmmm

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              • ANNOYINGMOS
              • UD{
              • 18 Jul 2017

              AnonD-34830, 13 Jun 2017Did you guys even read the article? Apple applied for the p... morewhat you mean is that Sony make it 1st while apple still a theory?. Is that what you mean? do you really understand what you are reading??

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                • AnonD-521587
                • kcM
                • 17 Jul 2017

                AnonD-635604, 17 Jul 2017It is because Steve Jobs love Sony and want to be like Sony.they even wanted to buy the company. But because of this Sony cant sell phones with FP scanner in the USA and its setting them back. Apple is trynig so hard to prevent sony from becoming popular in the USA.

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                  • AnonD-635604
                  • KZ8
                  • 17 Jul 2017

                  AnonD-113455, 13 Jun 2017Apple always copy Sony's simplicity design. You can go back... moreIt is because Steve Jobs love Sony and want to be like Sony.

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                    • AnonD-521587
                    • kcM
                    • 19 Jun 2017

                    MrElectrifyer, 13 Jun 2017According to a Sony rep, it's due to some nonsense deal wit... moreso if this contract expires safe to assume sony can sell phones through their mobile carriers with FP scanner?

                    this is a big part of the reason why sony hasn't had any good sales since 2014

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                      • AnonD-521587
                      • kcM
                      • 19 Jun 2017

                      Tann Hauser, 13 Jun 2017A typical case of tech industry espionage. Sony patented it... moreactually a really big issue for sony. Not having carrier avalaibility and FP scanner is really stupid and hinders Sony's ability to make sales.

                      notice how sony's best selling phone is the z3 and it was avalaible through carriers. Not having that avalaibility through carriers is really hindering their sales.

                        • D
                        • AnonD-521587
                        • kcM
                        • 19 Jun 2017

                        AnonD-113455, 13 Jun 2017Apple always copy Sony's simplicity design. You can go back... morevery true. steve jobs himself said he was inspried by sony. peopled dont realize how much apple wants to suck Sony's Pencil. But they've always had a thing for sony.

                          • D
                          • AnonD-521587
                          • kcM
                          • 19 Jun 2017

                          AnonD-105795, 13 Jun 2017stole someone's ideas and make it your .. rip Steve jobhe was known to bully smaller companies and sue everyone as if appple was the one who invented everything.

                            • D
                            • AnonD-521587
                            • kcM
                            • 19 Jun 2017

                            Anonymous, 14 Jun 2017sony has this tech years before the only reason they didn't... morethis so hard. Apple was always hopping on sony. Steve jobs said he made the iphone 4 inspired by sony products and a japanese person worked on its design. And at one point apple wanted to acquire Sony a couple of years ago when they were really down the gutter in terms of money.

                            its funny to see how much of a hardon apple has for sony. And what you said is very accurate. I still think sony needs to be more agressive if they want to suceed.

                            Being sucessful in the US is very important the US sets trends throughout the world. and i bet you money the big gap between sony and samsung is because of the US market.

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                              • no.drama.queens.
                              • spg
                              • 16 Jun 2017

                              Carol, 15 Jun 2017This type of patents could come only from apple. And now th... moreFinnaly someone that thinks the same with me.

                                • ?
                                • Anonymous
                                • Xw%
                                • 15 Jun 2017

                                Sony Xperia X series please?

                                  • C
                                  • Carol
                                  • L71
                                  • 15 Jun 2017

                                  Sun Sand, 13 Jun 2017I felt the same, some of these patent are so crazy! Now to... moreYou do not understand patents, aren't you? Apple is money hungry, they were always like this. Patents are to make money out of them. So, if someone in USA try's to sell a device with fingerprint power button, they will have to give apple money. Ain't that great for a greedy company? Yes it is. They would probably like to owe NOKIA patents, that way, you would probably see the biggest technology trolling since it's birth. And apple never doing nothing but just trolling the market with their patents. Their is a God after all, and NOKIA is the owner of gsm, and everything a mobile is made of patents, well, this is good now, they can always turn apple and start trolling the market with their patents. And to think their was a time when companies were developing and innovating and patents were the least to think of. Now their is nothing, but all want to owe patents. Wellcome to an Americanized World, where nothing is about pride of who invented, but only about money, and how to sell air to "dumbify" mass.

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                                    • Carol
                                    • L71
                                    • 15 Jun 2017

                                    Good bye apple, 13 Jun 2017Apple where is your innovation? Witless charging, revamped ... moreI do not remember Apple being great. They were always this company that struggles hard to make money out of nothing, they still remain the kings of Technology Trolling and mass "dumbyfing".

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                                      • Carol
                                      • L71
                                      • 15 Jun 2017

                                      This type of patents could come only from apple. And now they are trying to patent other locations? Like they are the only ones who can think of another place where fingerprint scanner might be placed? Somebody need to sue this so called company to it's oblivion. This company does not deserve to be recognized as a Tech one. They are pathetic.

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                                        • Dodo
                                        • 0cL
                                        • 15 Jun 2017

                                        This kind of patent should not be granted. It'd merely silly, if it did not hurt competition and innovation.

                                        The USPTO has a revolving door with the industry and it shows.