Apple has always pawned Android as far as fingerprint recognition is concerned —  more so after it released the superb TouchID with its Iphone5. However, a recent announcement by Qualcomm in its press conference at the MWC in Barcelona today promises to change that, as the US based manufacturer presented what it claims is the world’s first ‘ultrasonic’ fingerprint scanner —  The Qualcomm Sense ID.

Yes sir, the brand new piece of technology while outwardly operating along the same lines as your run of the mill fingerprint scanner — such as those found in the Iphones — is entirely a class apart. Where the traditional scanners make use of capacitive fingerprint sensors, Qualcomm’s Sense ID employs 3D ultrasonic imaging technology for authentication purposes.

The advantages of using an ultrasonic sound wave over the capacitive solutions are many and varied. First off, the images provided by using the former are much more detailed and accurate as compared to the latter — implying more security. Next, the ultrasonic sensors are in no way hindered by sweaty or greasy fingers — unlike their capacitive counterparts. Finally, the imaging system works just fine from anywhere and through any material, meaning that the fingerprinting systems may be installed just about anywhere — bezels, displays, you name it.

Undoubtedly, the Sense ID technology is going to revolutionize smartphone security, and judging by the enthusiasm greeting it — it’s here to stay. We can expect devices flaunting the system in the latter half of 2015.

According to Raj Talluri, senior vice president at Qualcomm subsidiary “Snapdragon Sense ID 3D Fingerprint Technology’s unique use of ultrasonic technology revolutionizes biometrics from 2D to 3D, allowing for greater accuracy, privacy and stronger authentication. We are very proud to bring the mobile industry’s first ultrasonic-based biometric authentication technology to mobile device manufacturers and their customers, who will benefit from the improved and differentiated user experience,”

The Sense ID, hits Snapdragon 810 and Snapdragon 425 devices first — also compatible with all Snapdragon 400, 600, and 800 series of chips — and it looks like Qualcomm’s first step in the industry, may just mark the beginnings of another era in mobile security.