Authentec’s breakthrough biometric fingerprint sensors

I’ve written about Authentec’s biometric fingerprint sensors before (here and here), so it’s nice to be able to follow-up on stories from time to time. The latest from Authentec is that their biometric sensors are now diverging in to other, cutting-edge uses and applications - for example:

• Fingerprint Sensor with Touchpad – As consumers are demanding thinner phones with more features, the ability to streamline fingerprint security and on-screen navigation into a single sensor becomes a win-win for manufacturers with limited “real estate” on the phone.
• Multi-Function “User Input Control” - Beyond security, the fingerprint sensor offers other touch-powered features such as personalization, convenience and navigation; these added features allow users to quickly launch cell phone apps, replace passwords and PINs, and easily navigate through files and affect cell phone device features such as speed dial, camera zooming and turbo scrolling.
• Durability of Sensor – The new fingerprint sensor technology triples the protective coating over the fingerprint sensor die that protects the sensor from coins, keys and other potentially abrasive objects commonly found in a purse or pocket; a waterproof component is a key component as more than 1.2 million mobile phones were dropped in lavatories, drinks or put through washing machines last year (The Daily Telegraph 2007).
• Low Cost/Low Power Design - Major advancements have been made to develop small, low-cost, low power, semiconductor-based sensors for mobile phones.

It’s good to see companies pushing the envelope in the area of touch, especially seeing as it’s the buzzword of the moment. Nice also to see some consideration of power consumption in these increasingly ‘green’ times we live in…