The Atrix had a fingerprint sensor, but it didn't really do anything other than unlock the phone. The sensor on iOS allowed for far deeper integration into the system. That was innovative.
It seems obvious to me. Perhaps it's hindsight, but Apple's full-stack control of hardware and software make it obvious.
It's non-obvious on Android/pre-Android because software developers won't care much about an API for a fraction of an OS's market. Which is why I'd venture to guess most Android apps still don't take advantage of fingerprint sensors.
It's non-obvious on Android/pre-Android because software developers won't care much about an API for a fraction of an OS's market. Which is why I'd venture to guess most Android apps still don't take advantage of fingerprint sensors.