The Story Behind Apple’s Fingerprint Scanner (Video)

Earlier today, Apple unveiled their new iPhones to the world. The iPhone 5S came equipped w/ a few improvements but one of the them was a biometric fingerprint scanner called Touch ID.  The new scanner shows a ring around the home button that houses the sensor.   It simplifies security measures on the iPhone by lessening the need for passcodes.

Apple acquired mobile security company, AuthenTec during the tail end of last year for $356 million.  AuthenTec is known for its over 200 patents on encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software.  They are utilized by companies and governments around the globe like: Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujitsu, HBO, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sky, and Texas Instruments.  You can now add Apple to the list even though they now own it.  

This isn’t the first a smartphone manufacturer wanted to improve mobile security w/ such technology.  If many of you recall, Motorola’s Atrix in 2011 has one as well but since Apple is doing this – many will say Apple invented it.  While they may not be the 1st, they may be the ones to perfect the technology to apply to more consumer tech.  This means other manufacturers will undoubtedly follow suit as well.

Touch ID is made of Apple’s favorite new material of sapphire crystal and fingerprints are stored to your personal iCloud, not Apple’s servers.  Currently it only works to unlock and secure purchases on iTunes, the App Store, & iBooks.  Hopefully, in the near future they will open it up for PassBook since Apple is avoid NFC like the plague.

You can watch it in action here.

Let’s just hope thieves don’t get messy and start severing fingers for access.

Comments