LG fingerprint sensor sits beneath smartphone screen

Fingerprint modules on smartphones typically require you to press your finger on a raised button, meaning they must be mounted externally. LG's South Korean outfit Innotek is innovating on this front, though, and has created a fingerprint sensor that doesn't require a button at all and is mounted beneath the screen, thus offering the functionality without interfering with the form.

With the sensor out of the way, companies can be more free with their smartphone designs.

The sensor is said to be safe thanks to high-strength cover glass which protects it from water and scratches, while a proprietary adhesive keeps it secure even after high impact. It's also said to have an extremely low false acceptance rate of 0.002%.

The new sensors are expected to be on the market by the end of 2016.