Why did Dell discontinue fingerprint reader?

Just wondering why this option isn't advertised as an option on the Studio 15 series of laptops anymore?

 

Instead of the fingerprint scanner, they're offering the FastAccess facial recognition software as a physical security measure. I have it, and it works great. And you don't need any extra hardware to use it; it works with your standard webcam.

 

I've installed it but where I use my laptop the most (lazyboy chair) the lighting conditions are dark and recognition is hit and miss. Sure like the print reader though, usually have a damn cat in my lap and having to type out passwords can be difficult at times

 

Well I gotta say your not missing much. I do like the fingerprint reader on my M1530, but facial recognition software is certainly even easier though I wonder if it could be faked with a photograph of yourself.

However, in both cases I would be concerned with your privacy and security. The fingerprint reader keeps a record of your fingerprints inside it's hardware and what if someone (or some company/government) was able to gain access to these fingerprints. With the webcam you have the risk of someone remotely taking over your webcam. Personally I prefer the good old password.

 

I tried to fake the facial recognition thing with a photo and even a high res video playback and neither worked - though if I turned the settings down to their fastest (less secure) then my brothers face allowed him to access my notebook (but still no photos or videos).

Besides, you can make it ultra secure and require both.

The thing I like about it though is that you can set it up so that if you are not physically sat in front of your computer, that it will lock it. For me, that is the best feature for my lifestyle and use of the computer.

 

The fingerprint reader on my Lenovo is a bit hit-or-miss. I haven't tried the facial recognition yet, but I'd much prefer it if it works as advertised (on my Dell 14z, coming soon ).

 

i tried the facial recognition but found it more of a hassle than a convenience. it doesnt work too well in low light situations and i mostly had to just input my password to unlock the computer.

 

I find that my display's own backlight provides enough light for facial recognition, even in darkness. So far I have not been able to fool it with photos of me, either.