Android M expected to feature native fingerprint authentication, Google could announce it next week

Google I/O is just around the corner, and Android M is one of the main announcements that will likely be made during the conference. Earlier this month, Google itself mentioned Android M, which is supposed to bring "the power of Android to all kinds of workplaces." Not long after that, we learned about some of the features that Android M allegedly includes, and now we have new info about the unannounced OS.

According to both Ars Technica and BuzzFeed, Android M will feature native fingerprint authentication. While we already have various Android devices with fingerprint scanners, the necessary software for these was developed by their respective makers. If the next iteration of Android indeed includes native fingerprint authentication support, manufacturers will be able to easily add fingerprint scanners to their devices.

The Google Nexus 6 (released last year) was supposed to feature a fingerprint reader, but Google eventually decided not to include it. Well, the next Nexus smartphone - which should be announced in the second half of the year - will likely have a fingerprint scanner, if the latest rumor about Android M turns out to be true.

As you may know, before being called Lollipop, Android 5.0 was previewed as Android L. This, of course, means that Android M will most probably also get a sweet name once it's officially released. Let's hope we'll find out more about this after Google I/O kicks off on May 28.


sources: BuzzFeed, Ars Technica via Android Police