Google adds fingerprint scanner support to Chrome OS

Google has added fingerprint scanner support to Chrome OS. The feature can be found in the most recent version of the dev channel version of the operating system and can be turned on via the settings.

According to VentureBeat, the feature is present in version 58.0.3007.0 of Chrome OS. The setting can be enabled by using the so-called quick unlock function in the flags menu. That way, users who are already logged in can access the operating system by scanning their fingerprint.

Users can register up to five fingerprints. There are currently no Chromebooks from Google or from other companies that are equipped with a fingerprint scanner. According to Chrome Unboxed, a model is in the works that will have the feature, but it’s unclear when this model will be available.

On other platforms, there has been support for fingerprint scanners for some time, such as Windows. Apple added support for this to its MacBooks, which it presented in October. Logging in with a pin was already possible on Chrome OS. In September, Google added RPM access authentication to the system.