Xiaomi unveils fingerprint ID tech

Xiaomi Corp unveiled a flagship smartphone series on Tuesday featuring advanced fingerprint identification technology, marking the first rival product by Chinese firms to compete with Apple Inc after the launch of its latest iPhone.


The Mi 5s, starting at 1,999 yuan ($299), is also the firm's latest effort to boost sales amid slowing demand and rising competition from local rivals such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.


The gadget supports ultrasonic fingerprint identification, which delivers greater accuracy than current models by using 10,000 micro sensors, the company said.


Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, said the firm had spent two years experimenting with the technology, and it is designed to ease concerns that frequent touching will wear out the physical identification buttons.


"Applying the technology in a model that can be mass produced showcases our innovation capabilities," Lei said.


The Beijing-based company also joined hands with Sony Corp to offer better cameras on its device. Mi 5s Plus, the bigger-screen version, is equipped with 13-million-pixel dual cameras from Sony and starts from 2,299 yuan.


Jin Di, research manager at International Data Corp China, said the experiment with supersonic fingerprint identification shows that Xiaomi is working hard to differentiate its products from its rivals. "That is not necessarily a big selling point but it will appeal to young people who are eager to try out new technology," Jin said.




The article transsshipment from China Daily