Samsung looking to expand biometric sensors to lower end phones: Report

Looks like, Samsung is working extensively to restructure its sales pitch for its mid- to low-end phone segment. The company is mulling security options that go beyond the fingerprint scanner. According a report by  The Wall Street Journal , Senior VP Rhee In-jong, who heads  Samsung’s mobile enterprise software called Knox, told an investors’ forum in Hong Kong that it is exploring new authentication methods using biometrics even for its low-end models.

He further said that the company is looking at  various types of biometric [mechanisms>, and particularly iris detection. Biometric authentication is no new story, considering the fact that most of the high-end mobile devices feature fingerprint scanning. Samsung first adopted fingerprint scanning for its smartphones with the Galaxy S5 which was launched in April. Apple’s iPhone 5s had launched the same feature approximately seven months before Samsung’s launch. Earlier this year, a report hinted that LG also plans to include fingerprint scanner in all its high-end devices.  

Triggered by the recent Moto devices, smartphone manufacturers appear to be shifting their focus on mid-range market, trying to bridge the gap between superior features and price. Phones like the Moto G appeal to a larger audience who want to own a phone with the best of both worlds.

Samsung has long been facing difficulties with  market widening to other brands and the race to win corporate clients for its mobile devices which the company plans to overcome with its Knox system. With the incorporation of the Knox software in its low-end models, Samsung believes it can compete with rivals like Blackberry.

Around 87 million devices reportedly come embedded with Knox. Out of which, about 1.8 million are actively using Knox, including regulated industries such as banks, healthcare and financial companies. However, it accounts for only a fraction of what has been distributed to the market. Rhee reportedly said that the number of clients is rising and the focus will be initially on having a wider distribution.

Samsung’s Knox system has been subject to studies for a possible security gap, adding to challenges in building a new corporate client base. The company later clarified that the potential security flaw is not specific to Samsung devices.