3D Sonic. Qualcomm updates its on-screen fingerprint sensor technology: now it is 17 times larger and recognizes two fingers at the same time

A year ago, Qualcomm introduced us to its 3D Sonic technology , with which it was possible to add a fingerprint sensor right on the screen . Unlike other options on the market, Qualcomm's solution was not based on optical images of the fingerprints, but on ultrasounds that allow an impression of the surface texture of our fingerprints.

Now with the start of the Snapdragon Summit 2019, Qualcomm is announcing a major update to its technology, which is now known as 3D Sonic Max . Qualcomm mentions that they have made the sensor larger, specifically 17 times larger than the previous version, which places it as "the world's largest screen fingerprint sensor," according to the company.

3D Sonic Max "the world's largest screen fingerprint sensor"

Among the benefits that Qualcomm poses with the arrival of 3D Sonic Max are the ability to use authentication with wet fingers, faster reading and of course the increase in the reading surface , which will make it detect our fingerprint more accurately and without so much difficulty.

Qualcomm explains that thanks to the increase of the sensor it will now be possible to authenticate two fingers at the same time , thus having an additional layer of security within our reach, which we can configure only for certain scenarios, such as when using banking applications.

To give us an idea of ​​the progress of this sensor compared to its previous version, it should only be mentioned that 3D Sonic had a surface of just 4 x 9 mm, while the new 3D Sonic Max increases to 20 x 30 mm in an area of 600 square millimeters .

Because of this, Qualcomm says they have managed to reduce authentication errors, as they now offer an accuracy rate of 1 in a million , which is the same level of accuracy that the iPhone Face ID has, according to Apple. By way of comparison, the Touch ID of the old iOS devices offered a rate of 1 in 50,000.

The new 3D Sonic Max is installed on a thin film transistor (TFT), very similar to the material used in LCD panels, which according to Qualcomm allows them to keep costs low. This sensor has a thickness of just 0.15 mm , which means that it is almost imperceptible and does not represent an increase in the thickness of the devices, according to the company.

In addition to this, Qualcomm mentions that 3D Sonic Max is now able to distinguish the different shapes of the fingers and even look for unique geometric signs , such as the distance between the tip of the thumb and the center of the finger. This would serve to have an additional layer of identification and improve security.

Qualcomm will make this technology available to manufacturers in early 2020, and the first devices with this new sensor are expected to arrive during the second quarter of 2020.