One starts, then everyone follows. Well, possibly: leaked images of HTC’s rumoured new One Max smartphone appear to show a fingerprint scanner nestled amongst its hardware, a la iPhone 5s.
The pictures, which turned up on Chinese social network Sina Weibo, show the monstrous phone with its back removed, where a fingerprint scanner sits between SIM slot and camera. Slightly weird positioning and suggestive of the fact that this wouldn’t be super-convenient thumb detection but a forefinger scanner instead. If the images aren’t enough, it’s worth noting that Verizon retail staff also claim to have used the phone during training sessions and reported that the scanner is part of the deal too.
Of course, fingerprint technology is nothing new, nor is its use on smartphone. But given the fuss made over Apple’s decision to bring it to the mass market, if HTC does include such technology, it’s clearly in response. It’s not clear when the One Max will surface, but it’s certainly missed its once-rumoured September launch. We’ll just have to wait and see if it’s ready to sense your fingerprint when it does arrive. [Android Central via Sina Weibo via Verge]