Google has followed others this time in introducing a vital feature in its Chrome OS by bringing fingerprint scanning. The Chromebook can be unlocked quickly by using fingerprint validation. This feature has been enabled in a recent dev channel update i.e. Chrome OS 58.0.3007.0.
The fingerprint scanning option is currently available in many operating systems. Fingerprint validation enables a user to log into his/her system by touching the given fingerprint scanner.
Although the technology giant has added fingerprint scanner to its Pixel and Nexus phones but this is their first fingerprint scanner in a Chromebook. This feature is not common yet, but Chromebook is currently in the process to adopt a fingerprint scanner. Nonetheless, we cannot confirm it to be another Chromebook Pixel.
Also Read: Pakistani hacker Rafay Balouch wins $5000 reward for exposing Firefox, Chrome address bar detect
Google initiated this security attribute when it allowed users to unlock their Chromebooks by using a PIN number. A few months later, the fingerprint scanning option has been launched in its Chrome dev version.
Source: VentureBeat
How to Enable This Feature?
This feature can easily be activated by using the Quick Unlock feature. Simply go to chrome://flags (works on Chrome OS, not in every Google Chrome browser). Then, the users can set up this feature and unlock their Chromebook by using fingerprints. But one has to make sure that they are already signed in. Users can set it up and add it permanently to their unlock screen section.
In Chrome OS, the users can add maximum five different fingerprints I.e. five people can log into one Chrome OS device.
Quick Read: Microsoft Windows 10 Cloud – Is it an alternate to Chrome OS?
Initially, Apple was competing on a unique selling proposition for its 2016 MacBook Pro having a touch ID button. It was powered by the user’s biometric validity. Therefore, this device had an edge over all other Mac computers.
Google is now on a level playing field with players like iOS, Andriod, Windows and macOS when considering the Quick Unlock feature.
