Chrome beta 70 now supports fingerprint in Android, Mac

Google’s popular browser Chrome has been put through a significant step up in its beta channel. The newest version of Google Chrome beta; Chrome beta 70, now supports fingerprint sensors on both Android & Mac devices.

This is a relevant upgrade that permits developers to employ the use of biometry among other levels of security to ensure a more safe & secure usage in Chrome.

Initially, Chrome 67 supported the use of Web Authentication API, enabling sites to use different log-in alternatives other than passwords & usernames which included a Bluetooth key like what we saw in the Google Titan & even the fingerprint scanner. However, these features were supported by Chromes on desktops only.

While there is no information yet on whether other types of biometric security on older iOS devices will eventually see this update, it is known that the Chrome update will use previously existing Android fingerprint sensors & also MacBook Pro Touch ID sensors.

Other new features in this update include:

Web Bluetooth support which will soon be available on Windows 10. Though present in other versions of Chrome, it will allow Bluetooth interaction between devices.
The shape detection API is in Chrome 70 is still being tested & is not yet a feature on the app as it is still on trial mode. The Shape Detection API detects barcodes, texts in images & faces. Compatibility wise, both Android & Mac OS support this upgrade with Windows 10 not completely compatible. There are already apps that can read barcodes & detect faces but the Shape Detection API is definitely a great addition to Chrome.