“Despite leaving out near-field communications (NFC) technology — commonly used for close-proximity wireless payments — out of the latest iPhone 5, an deal signed between Apple and an Australian startup could see the technology brought to the technology giant’s future devices,” Zack Whittaker reports for ZDNet.
“First reported by The Australian, the deal will see five-year old start-up Microlatch work with Apple, which will allow the technology giant to develop fingerprint technology for use in NFC applications,” Whittaker reports. “Sydney, Australia-based Microlatch owns patents and technologies that meet banking security standards that allows fingerprints and biometrics to be processed on the device without the need for transmission or storage.”
Whittaker reports, “Apple acquired fingerprint sensor maker AuthenTec in July for $356 million… Putting the hardware purchase and part-software, part-patent agreement together almost certainly suggests that Apple is working on implementing fingerprint technology into one or more of its mobile products.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Dan K.” for the heads up.]
Related articles:
Fingerprint sensor maker AuthenTec said to dump non-Apple customers in 2013 – September 25, 2012
Apple steps closer toward integrated mobile payment market – August 29, 2012
How NFC could fit into Apple’s iPhone 5 – August 29, 2012
Apple wins NFC-enabled barcode-reading ‘on-the-go shopping list’ patent – August 7, 2012
Apple’s $356 million AuthenTec buy a possible prelude to mobile e-payments – July 27, 2012
Apple patent application details iOS devices that control everything in your home via NFC – July 27, 2012
Apple to buy AuthenTec for $356 million – July 27, 2012
Researcher takes complete control of Android and Nokia phones by merely waving another device near them – July 26, 2012
Mobile e-payments via NFC not ready for prime time until Apple says it is – July 18, 2012
How local businesses and Apple’s Passbook could deliver an unbeatable iWallet – July 13, 2012
The death of cash; paying by iPhone about to become a way of life – July 9, 2012
Don’t overlook Apple’s new Passbook or you might miss the future of payments – June 12, 2012
Apple granted U.S. patent for all-new iWallet credit system architecture – June 5, 2012
Inside Apple’s secret plan to kill the cash register – May 19, 2012
Apple’s iWallet: The one that will rule the world – March 21, 2012
Apple’s new iWallet patent hints at new killer app – March 9, 2012
Apple wins major U.S. ‘iWallet’ patent; the one that may one day ‘rule the world’ – March 6, 2012
Apple invents ingenious security system for the iWallet era – January 9, 2012
Apple patent app describes future iOS devices communicating with parking meters, doors, cash registers and much more – September 22, 2011
Can’t quite put my finger on this deal.
In time you bro
You can say that again …
In time you bro
In time you will bro
Let’s hope this series of acquisitions leads to a flawless product launch.
“Despite leaving out near-field communications (NFC) technology … out of the latest iPhone 5…”
IPhones are like baseball – there’s always next year.
So the next Mission Impossible/Bourne/Bond will include someone being knifed/garroted/blackjacked so their prints can be used to access/hack/utilize a secured iPhone. Looking forward to it.
Fingerprint readers require a pulse. It’s become a lot more work hacking someone else’s digits.
A fingerprint scanner in the home button would be awesome
Actually, I think I was first to report that Apple would tie biometric authentication with NFC.
I also know why the iOS 6 Maps app is messed up. Long story…
Do tell
LOL… then they can steal your thumbs and your phone
But won’t the fingerprint ink get onto the display?
Well…..there goes that idea….
They won’t steal you thumb print, they will steal your thumb!
Start the queue for patent lawsuits coming now that Apple has bought the company.
“five-year old start-up”
LOL maybe time not to be a start up any more? 🙂