Google says it’s bettering fingerprint scanner efficiency with a Pixel 6 replace

Google quietly rolled out a Pixel 6 replace that addresses fingerprint scanner points, as first reported by XDA Developers. The replace particulars have been confirmed in a put up on a Google Support page, which vaguely notes that it consists of “minor bug fixes and some fingerprint sensor performance improvements for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro,” with out actually giving us any particulars about how the sensor was improved.

Dan Siefert known as out the fingerprint reader in our opinions of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro final month, noting that it’s typically finicky to make use of or gradual to acknowledge your print. Google responded by saying that the scanner’s “enhanced security algorithms” could lead to sluggish or unreliable efficiency. Google by no means actually indicated whether or not the scanner’s efficiency had one thing to do with points within the system’s software program or {hardware}, and its preliminary response implied that the scanner was alleged to be gradual for its security measures to work correctly.

But now that Google has rolled out an replace, the problem could be software-related in any case. To see if the replace really made a distinction, I requested a few of my colleagues at The Verge about their experiences with the fingerprint scanner after downloading the Pixel 6 replace. Here are our findings:

I haven’t observed a distinction within the scanning, nevertheless it looks like it’s making me use my fingerprint much less to unlock the cellphone. —Richard Lawler

I believe the fingerprint reader does work higher — I by no means had hassle with the left thumb, however the proper thumb at all times took two or three tries, and now it appears to work fairly rapidly. —Barbara Krasnoff

It’s definitely not a lot sooner (or extra correct?). But even finest case, it’s nonetheless slower than an S20. —Dieter Bohn

Overall, the outcomes of the Pixel 6 replace are a blended bag. It looks like it provides some enchancment, nevertheless it nonetheless doesn’t put it on par with fingerprint scanners from different corporations. Reactions from customers on Reddit supply the identical sort of assorted outcomes; whereas some say the replace fastened the issue, others say the distinction is there, however solely barely. It’s unclear whether or not the replace to the fingerprint scanner would be the final of its variety or if Google has one other one deliberate sooner or later. Then once more, the problem could also be associated to the truth that Google determined to make use of an under-the-screen optical scanner as an alternative of an ultrasonic one — and in that case, Pixel 6 house owners could also be caught with the problem. For now, the sensor appears to be simply ok.

Google says that the replace — which consists of two software program builds: one for Verizon-specific gadgets (SD1A.210817.037.A1) and one for worldwide fashions (SD1A.210817.037) — has began rolling out right this moment and can “continue over the next week.”

It’s additionally value noting that whereas the replace is simply 14.56MB, Google says it takes about 25 to half-hour to obtain and set up relying on the variety of apps you might have, which my colleagues also can attest to. The replace will probably be obtainable to you in November in case your system is on any of the foremost wi-fi carriers within the US or Japan, together with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi. You can view the complete listing of carriers on Google’s website. If your service isn’t listed, the replace will probably be pushed to your system in December.