In a landmark annual review, Planet Biometrics has consulted with industry experts from different fields to give independent, vendor neutral, “state of the industry” comments that explain where the industry is from their unique point of view.This year has seen an unprecedented range of biometric implementations, with multiple modalities and maturing tech permeating across the private sector in markets that were largely untouched by biometric solutions. The government and law enforcement markets have also seen a rapid evolution with biometrics increasingly being turned to for future-proof identity solutions.Virtually every other day has seen deployments of new smartphones featuring fingerprint sensors, with their importance in the hyper-competitive mobile payment market increasing the sensor's status as “must-have” hardware for 2015.The question now is not whether biometrics will be a key part of mobile authentication, but over which modality and technology will triumph in the battle for users.Will future fingerprint sensors be rear-, side-, or homescreen-mounted? Or will the entire touchscreen become the sensor?Could iris authentication supersede fingerprint as a superior mobile biometric? Meanwhile, there are also eye recognition, face and voice options – not to forget the growing importance of behavioural technologies. Perhaps we will find out in 2016ߪ.New markets are also increasingly coming in to view. Given the importance of secure identities for the Internet of Things – no one wants their heating systems, fridge or car hacked – it is no wonder that biometrics are emerging as the authentication option de rigueur in this and other emerging markets.But the inclusion of biometric data in our growing digital identity exhaust has also raised the prospect of deeper challenges. Any more events like the Office of Personnel Management hack of 5.6 million fingerprints threaten to dent the industry's image – especially as mainstream media misinterpret the consequences.Such issues are vital as the increasing take-up of biometric solutions by banks and new government identity schemes puts the industry under ever increased scrutiny over security and privacy issues.These and other issues are addressed by our panel of experts in Planet Biometrics' Year in Review 2015. It has been another blockbuster year – and we look forward to bringing you the best coverage of industry trends and developments in 2016.Click here to read the experts' views on the year.

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