All Chromebooks should have fingerprint sensors by now

In 2024, a significant number of Chromebooks still lack fingerprint sensors, despite the prevalence of biometric authentication on smartphones. Most ChromeOS users continue to input passwords manually, which can be risky in public areas. 9to5Google's newly revamped newsletter covers all the major Google stories, along with additional commentary and interesting bits of information. The newsletter is delivered directly to your inbox upon subscription or can be read on the 9to5Google Log Out.

For Chromebook users, there's an option to use a PIN of six numbers or more, which is easier with a touchscreen but a bit cumbersome on a physical keyboard. However, it's not faster compared to using a fingerprint reader. Another alternative is to unlock your mobile phone to bypass the password on your Chromebook, but that method, Smart Lock, is not reliably fast. It typically fails at least once or twice daily based on my experience.

In January 2022, Google announced that Wear OS Watch Unlock would be compatible with Chromebooks and Android tablets. This feature was introduced on Pixel phones in December. Hopefully, it will be more dependable than Smart Lock. It's unfortunate that Google didn't mandate the inclusion of fingerprint sensors on Chromebook Plus models, even the $399 laptops. Instead, only two of the seven Plus Chromebooks listed on Google's website show fingerprint unlock functionality. However, those models, priced at $499 and $699, do not possess a sensor.

You will find fingerprint readers on Chromebooks that approach the $1,000 price range after many years. The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook and the Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus are cases in point. The $999 Framework Chromebook, however, does not have this feature. The sensor, which costs $29, is compatible with Windows and Linux.

It is hoped that Google will make fingerprint sensors standard on future Chromebook Plus models. With the common use of biometric technology, such sensors should not be viewed as a luxury. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has introduced Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 for use in Google Samsung's Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Google Maps is testing 3D buildings while on the move, and the 'Important' tab in Google’s Files app will be discontinued soon. Pixel Launcher, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet also get new features, and Samsung unveils AI camera tricks.