Synaptics Incorporated announced a new multi-factor biometric fusion engine for more convenient security on smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs. The powerful platform is fully integrated into Synaptics Natural ID™ fingerprint sensors and leverages both fingerprint and facial biometrics. The multi-factor fusion engine allows users to choose a modality based on preference, or one that is most convenient to environmental conditions such as when wearing gloves. Improved security is achieved by requiring multiple-modes of authentication for financial transactions or other sensitive applications. The Synaptics multi-factor fusion engine combines authentication scores from multiple biometrics to determine verification. This increases overall system security as both fingerprint and facial factors have to meet minimum threshold requirements before authentication. In addition, the fusion engine improves usability as lower individual verification thresholds still result in greater security.