Engadget

Fujitsu dabbles in palm reading, hopes to bring biometric sensors to tablets

Sarah Silbert — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:32:00 EST

When you think about it, there's no reason that biometric recognition can't provide security on tablets -- well, aside from the need for a sensor thin enough to fit on a slate. Fujitsu has been on the job, making significant progress since showing off its clunky palm vein reader. The company's latest development on the biometric front is an authentication sensor that measures a minuscule 5mm thick, which is slight enough for use in tablets. Fujitsu employed its PalmSecure technology for reading users' palm vein patterns without requiring physical contact with the sensor. This super-thin module is still in the thick of research and development, but it's likely destined for your tablet someday down the line.

Fujitsu dabbles in palm reading, hopes to bring biometric sensors to tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 04:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese biometric ATM reads your palm, tells fortune

James Trew — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:52:00 EST

A palm reading cash machine might not tell you your fortune, but it will, at least, dispense some of it. Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank in Japan has revealed that it will introduce the nation's first ATM that lets you withdraw money just by scanning your palm. This isn't the first ATM to use extra human verification, but it claims it's the first that functions without the need for your cash card. Customers will need to pop in to a branch to provide some manual verification -- and of course a palm scan -- then you're away. The bank hopes this will help people access their cash in the event of losing your card, or a natural disaster. Great until you upgrade to one of these.

Japanese biometric ATM reads your palm, tells fortune originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu's super-slim, super-powerful phones could come to Europe

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:35:00 EST

We've been enviously eyeing Fujitsu's super-thin, super-powerful phones for a very long while. At CES, we were able to swing an early look at its unnamed Tegra 3 Arrows prototype and the question we asked, over and over, was if we'd ever see these devices in the west. A knowing smile followed with the response that it would "depend on the carriers involved." A report in the Financial Times seems to confirm that the company's planning to take Europe by storm as it unveils the finished model at next week's Mobile World Congress -- albeit with the same caveat that carriers are still yet to sign on. The report adds that Fujitsu will include biometric security, NFC and LTE in all future handsets: just more teasing for those nations still to adopt the standard.

Fujitsu's super-slim, super-powerful phones could come to Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magellan unveils Switch, Switch Up GPS watches for runners, swimmers, extremists

Amar Toor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Magellan is tossing its hat into the sporty ring today, with the Switch and Switch Up -- a pair of GPS watches designed for number-crunching runners, cyclists and other endurance enthusiasts. Boasting a petite, 1.26-inch display, these petite devices allows joggers to monitor and record their distance, pace and elevation, thanks to a sensitive GPS receiver that promises an accuracy range of between three and five meters. Its onboard ANT+ wireless technology, meanwhile, provides biometric and performance data culled from an optional heart rate monitor or a variety of other accessories, including bike sensors and power meters. Swimmers can take solace in the fact that the Switch is water resistant at depths of up to 50 meters, while truly hardcore Ironmen and women will be happy to know that they'll be able to store up to 60 hours' worth of data on the watch, which promises up to eight hours of battery life while in workout mode. The Switch Up, pictured above, offers many of the same benefits, but features a vibration-based alert system and ships with a multi-sport mount for bikers and triathletes. Magellan has yet to announce a release date for these watches, though the Switch will be priced at $250, or $300 with the heart rate monitor. As for the Switch Up, it'll cost you $300 (including the accompanying Multisport Mounting Kit) or $350, if bundled with the monitor. Head past the break for an extra image of the Switch.

Continue reading Magellan unveils Switch, Switch Up GPS watches for runners, swimmers, extremists

Magellan unveils Switch, Switch Up GPS watches for runners, swimmers, extremists originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers

Chris Barylick — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

When in doubt, strip out the moving parts and see what you wind up with. This is the idea inventor Jason Giddings is following as he turns to Kickstarter to help fund the prototype creation for a glass keyboard and mouse, both sporting multitouch functionality. The design uses the same biometric systems that currently capture fingerprints on assorted trackpads and keyboards, and uses a technique known as Frustrated Total Internal Reflection -- which incorporates a series of LEDs on the bottom of a device -- to bounce infrared light beams around the inside of the glass. This process is interrupted when a finger touches the glass, wherein a simple embedded camera captures the event, processes where the keystroke, mouse click or gesture took place and relays the signal to the computer.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers

Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings

Amar Toor — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST

The feds may soon know the way to your heart. Literally. Earlier this month, the forward-thinkers over at DARPA announced plans to develop new technologies capable of identifying human life through walls. The program, known as "Biometrics-at-a-distance," would essentially combine two pre-existing Pentagon projects: the Radar Scope, a device that can see through walls, and 2009's LifeReader, a system that uses Doppler radar to detect heartbeats. Though the military already employs a handful of devices to help soldiers see humans from behind walls, DARPA apparently thinks there's room for improvement. Most contemporary technologies, for example, only work from a maximum distance of eight meters, and aren't as accurate within more densely populated areas. DARPA wants its next project to extend this range beyond ten meters, while sharpening its ability to penetrate thicker obstructions. The agency also wants its sensor to identify individual humans using electrocardiography, which traces the heart's electrical activity. According to DARPA, this could allow users to pinpoint up to ten people at the same time, which could pay dividends during disaster rescue efforts, military operations, or your next Eyes Wide Shut party.

DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Lenovo to release a 10.1-inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet with 1.6GHz Tegra 3 by year's end

Richard Lai — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:13:00 EST

You wouldn't think a giant like Lenovo would stop at just three (or four) Android tablets now, would you? In fact, a little birdie has informed us that said Chinese company will release a new 10.1-inch tablet by the end of the year, and unsurprisingly, Ice Cream Sandwich along with NVIDIA's Tegra 3 T33 are on the menu. Other features include 2GB of speedy 1,600MHz DDR3 RAM, a standard USB host socket (covered by a not-so-elegant pop-out flap), a back-facing camera of unknown resolution, a "Special Fusion-Skin Body" and, most interestingly, a fingerprint scanner that apparently doubles as an optical joystick on the seemingly flat backside -- only time will tell whether this layout makes sense. Our source hasn't spilled any info on the dimensions and weight, but judging by the photos in our gallery, this 1.6GHz quad-core slate should be significantly thinner than the IdeaPad K1 or LePad sitting underneath. As always, you'll hear from us as soon as we find out more.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Exclusive: Lenovo to release a 10.1-inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet with Tegra 3 by year's end

Exclusive: Lenovo to release a 10.1-inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet with 1.6GHz Tegra 3 by year's end originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings

Jesse Hicks — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST

Are you fed up with your current ECG sensor? Tired of all the mess of electroconductive gels, sticky electrodes and tangled wires? How about this: Britain's Plessey Semiconductors offers an ECG sensor that promises heart-monitoring without the hassle. We've seen similar technology before, but according to the company, the Electric Potential Integrated Circuit -- or EPIC, as it's humbly called -- can read heartbeats even through a sweater; future versions might be embedded in hospital gurneys for constant, unobtrusive monitoring. Like an extremely sensitive voltmeter, it detects tiny changes in electric fields, which means it could also be used for Kinect-style motion interfaces. The company even imagines a future system where firefighters can use the EPIC to find humans in a smoke-filled room. If you're thinking, "My, that sounds just like my Deus Ex dreams" -- hey, we're right there with you.

New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp FanLabs goes inside soccer fans' minds, measures loyalty with brainwaves (video)

Lydia Leavitt — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:26:00 EST

No matter what country you're in, you'll find at least one body-painted sports nut willing to act a fool in the name of fandom. To figure out what makes these hooligans tick, Sharp's setting up trucks outside EuroCup 2012 matches to measure fans' brainwaves using biometric technology. Once inside these mobile FanLabs, volunteers will watch the game while wearing the company's NeuroSky headsets -- a super sensitive EEG that uses dry electrodes to measure cerebral activity. By looking at brainwaves, along with heart rate and vocal excitement, scientists hope to reveal what levels of attention, stress, relaxation and excitement a fan goes through while supporting a specific team. Even if you're not lending your melon to science, you can still join in the fun online, and see how you stack up against fans from around the world. So, bust out the body paint, grab your foam fingers and check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Sharp FanLabs goes inside soccer fans' minds, measures loyalty with brainwaves (video)

Sharp FanLabs goes inside soccer fans' minds, measures loyalty with brainwaves (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOptix e-Gate could improve global airport security, replace ID checks with iris scans

Zach Honig — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:50:00 EST

You're certainly not alone if you think that the current airport security process is far from ideal. AOptix hopes to streamline and speed up security procedures by replacing manual boarding pass and ID checks with a biometric kiosk called e-Gate. The new system, which verifies passenger identities by matching an iris scan with a boarding pass, just received (IATA) approval, and is currently being tested in three airports around the world. It's not as slick as a similar concept we saw earlier this summer, but e-Gate could be implemented with a trusted traveler program, creating special lanes for pre-approved frequent fliers -- similar to the US Customs Global Entry system in place today. We don't see it replacing X-ray machines and check-in interviews, but it could remove human error from the equation -- at least when it comes to verifying your identity. Jump past the break for the full scoop from AOptix, or you can check out the system for yourself at the Future Travel Experience in Vancouver.

Update: e-Gate is in fact a potential component of Checkpoint of the Future, which we saw conceptualized in June.

Gallery: AOptix e-Gate

Continue reading AOptix e-Gate could improve global airport security, replace ID checks with iris scans

AOptix e-Gate could improve global airport security, replace ID checks with iris scans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Germany challenges Facebook on facial recognition, citing EU privacy laws

Amar Toor — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:50:00 EST

Facebook's facial recognition feature probably won't find too many smiles in Germany, where federal regulators are challenging the social network to change its ways, or face the consequences. On Tuesday, Hamburg's Data Protection Authority (DPA) sent a letter to the company, advising it to obtain user permission before harvesting biometric data, as outlined by EU privacy laws that require consumer consent. As it stands right now, users can opt-out of the photo-tagging function by tinkering with their privacy settings, but the DPA claims that's still too invasive, and has "repeatedly" asked Facebook to shut down the feature altogether. Zuckerberg & Co. now have two weeks to respond to the letter, and could face a fine of up to €300,000 (about $427,000) if a compromise isn't reached. In a statement, company spokeswoman Tina Kulow said, "We will consider the points the Hamburg Data Protection Authority have made... but firmly reject any claim that we are not meeting our obligations under European Union data protection law."

Germany challenges Facebook on facial recognition, citing EU privacy laws originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian ATM uses voice analysis to tell when you're lying

Michael Gorman — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:37:00 EST

Credit card applications via automated teller are all the rage abroad these days. That's why Russia's Sberbank is using Speech Technology Center's voice recognition system in its new ATM to tell when you fudge your financials to get approved. Like a polygraph, the technology senses involuntary stress cues to ferret out fib-filled statements -- only instead of using wired sensors, it listens to your angst-ridden voice. Designed using samples from Russian police interrogation recordings where subjects were found to be lying, the system is able to detect the changes in speech patterns when a person isn't telling the truth. Of course, it's not completely accurate, so the biometric voice data is combined with credit history and other info before the ATM can crush an applicant's credit dreams. And to assuage the public's privacy concerns, patrons' voice prints will be kept on chips in their credit cards instead of a bank database. So, we don't have to worry about hackers stealing our biometric info, but we're slightly concerned that we'll no longer be able to deceive our robot overlords should the need arise.

Russian ATM uses voice analysis to tell when you're lying originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IATA's Checkpoint of the Future uses biometric IDs to separate do-gooders from terrorists (video)

Amar Toor — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST

This, ladies and gentlemen, could be your Checkpoint of the Future -- a new airport security prototype that promises to move away "from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people." Unveiled at the IATA's annual conference in Singapore yesterday, the setup is comprised of three, 20-foot long detectors -- one for "known travelers," one for high-risk flyers, and one for everyone else. Instead of funneling passengers through the same checkpoint, then, the prototype would use eye scanners and biometric chips to verify their identities and analyze their personal history, before dividing them into groups. People who complete and pass government background checks would waltz through the fast pass lane with their carry-on luggage in tow, whereas those deemed particularly risky would have to undergo a more intensive, full-body scan within the "Enhanced" security lane. The rest of us, meanwhile, would be directed to the "Normal" detector, which would automatically scan us for liquids, metals and everything that is evil. The IATA says this risk-based approach would reduce security lines and lower airport costs, but it would still require governments to share data on their own citizens, which could pose a major hurdle to widespread adoption. For now, the IATA and governmental agencies are still hammering away at the details and have yet to announce a pilot program, but you can check out an audio-less demo video of the prototype, after the break.

Continue reading IATA's Checkpoint of the Future uses biometric IDs to separate do-gooders from terrorists (video)

IATA's Checkpoint of the Future uses biometric IDs to separate do-gooders from terrorists (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video)

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:39:00 EST

He did it! As promised way back in 2007, David Hanson has turned his little Astro Boy-like Zeno robot loose upon our delicate planet. But Zeno is just one of four face options available for the Hanson Robokind -- the "almost human robot" considered "the best robot on the market" by its maker. In addition to the fully expressive Zeno, Alice, and Einstein (yes, that Einstein) faces, Hanson is also offering the static-faced Geo with fully functional eyes. Each face features Hanson's Frubber biometric skin that contracts and folds to simulate the action of your own flesh-coated facial muscles to create "millions" of possible expressions. These expressions are assisted by natural eyelid actions covering a pair of independently moving eyes, each equipped with 720p @ 30fps cameras for binocular stereo-vision. Rounding out the specs is a complete suite of sensors, microphones, optional Maxon motors, and an embedded computer with open source OS. Hanson's also working on a complete SDK it hopes to release ASAP. Prices start at $8,500 (model R-20) for a static body with motorized head on up to $14,750 (model R-50) for a maxed-out model with fully expressive head and walking body capable of 33 degrees of freedom. And hey, if you buy five expressive faces you'll get one interchangeable walking body for free. Now, get ready to get up close and personal with the entire Hanson family after the break.

Continue reading Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video)

Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AIRPrint performs ranged fingerprint scanning, won't let the terrorists win

Michael Gorman — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:12:00 EST

While ears may be the new biometric du jour, Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) is doing its best to keep fingerprints as the preferred method for identifying enemies of the state. The company has built a fingerprint scanner with the ability to accurately read a print up to two meters away, and our military views the system as a means to reduce the risk to soldiers at security checkpoints all over the world. The AIRPrint system is a significant upgrade over previous biometric security systems because it allows a person's identity to be confirmed by military personnel from behind the safety of a blast wall or armored vehicle, which keeps our serviceman out of harm's way. AIRPrint uses a source of polarized light and two 1.3 megapixel cameras (one to receive vertically polarized light and another to receive horizontally polarized light) in order to produce an accurate fingerprint. The prototype is able to scan and verify a print in under five seconds, but the device can presently only process one finger at a time, and that finger must stay a fixed distance from the cameras to get a precise reading. Despite these current limitations, AOS claims that soon the equipment will be capable of reading five prints simultaneously while a person is moving toward or away from the device. The system will be ready for market in the third quarter of this year, which is bad news for terrorists and soccer hooligans, but a windfall for Big Brother.

AIRPrint performs ranged fingerprint scanning, won't let the terrorists win originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clear security lanes reopen in Orlando, coming soon to Denver

Darren Murph — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:27:00 EST

There's just nothing quite like a promised kept, you know? Back in May, we heard that the financially troubled Clear would be making a comeback this fall, and lo and behold, the first Clear security lanes in quite some time have opened up in Orlando International Airport (MCO). Just as before, ~~customers~~ angels who fork out $179 per year and pass a litany of personality tests (we kid, we kid... sort of) will be able to breeze right through a dedicated security lane, enabling them to show up just moments prior to takeoff, claim their seat and simultaneously draw the ire of every other nearby passenger. In the next few months, Clear will roll out a family plan that enables the $179er to add members at $50 a pop, and during the introduction period, all members will receive a free month. Best of all, those who used Clear before can have their cards reactivated once it returns to their home airport. The company intends to open lanes in Denver later this month, but expansion plans beyond that remain a mystery. Feel free to get amped by watching the video just past the break.

Continue reading Clear security lanes reopen in Orlando, coming soon to Denver

Clear security lanes reopen in Orlando, coming soon to Denver originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biometric ear scanning developed as a comical alternative to iris, fingerprint scans

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:39:00 EST

The field of biometrics is a never-ending spectacle of palm readers, fingerprint and iris scanners, and now researchers at the University of Southampton may have discovered the next body part to be cataloged and tracked by power-mad governments: the ear. According to Professor Mark Nixon, the human ear is made up of "a whole load of structures" that can generate measurements that are unique to an individual. "With facial recognition," he says "the systems are often confused by crows feet and other signs of aging. Your ears, however, age very gracefully. They grow proportionally larger and your lobe gets a bit more elongated, but otherwise your ears are fully formed from birth." And unlike iris scanning, which is a cumbersome process, the ear scanning is relatively quick and painless. Unless, of course, you're dealing with long-haired hippie radicals. If they rise up again, no amount of ear scanning will keep us safe.

Biometric ear scanning developed as a comical alternative to iris, fingerprint scans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conceptual airport identifier skips your naughty bits, scans straight to the bone

Tim Stevens — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 10:13:00 EST

Not sure how you feel about those airport scanners that reveal your bits and pieces to under-paid guards? We think they make air travel rather titillating, but perhaps you'll be more comfortable with a conceptual scanner that skips your fleshy bits entirely and looks only at your bones. Being developed by a team of researchers at Wright State University, such a scanner could use existing technology to detect the skeletal structure of a person. The idea is that a person's bony bits are unique and, unlike one's face, impossible to disguise (short of some serious surgery). If a database of registered criminals and suspects could be created they could be identified with such a scanner, in theory even at a distance, far more reliably than via facial scan. Right now it's just a concept, but the idea is to have a working prototype by next year. After that, nobody's clavicles will be safe.

Conceptual airport identifier skips your naughty bits, scans straight to the bone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leon, Mexico to use biometric scanners in 'all aspects of life'

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST

First it was CCTV surveillance, and now a Mexican security firm called Portoss is teaming up with biometrics manufacturer Global Rainmakers, Inc., to make the city of Leon in Guanajuato the most potentially oppressive in the world. The secure city initiative will provide "unparalleled iris identity fusion" by wrapping the city in miles of fiber optic cable, creating a central database that will contain of all convicted criminals (as well as any good citizens who wish to "opt in"), and a network of iris scanners. As you can imagine, the man in charge of selling this stuff -- Global Rainmakers CDO Jeff Carter -- is something of a "true believer." Fast Company attributes the following quote to him: "Every person, place, and thing on this planet will be connected [to the iris system] within the next 10 years." Great! There's also this one: "If you've been convicted of a crime, in essence, this will act as a digital scarlet letter. If you're a known shoplifter, for example, you won't be able to go into a store without being flagged. For others, boarding a plane will be impossible." And how about embittered bloggers? Will we be prevented from accessing the Internet to point out how unbelievably frightening this is? PR after the break.

Continue reading Leon, Mexico to use biometric scanners in 'all aspects of life'

Leon, Mexico to use biometric scanners in 'all aspects of life' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aegis Bio grows to 640GB of fingerprint-protected storage

Vlad Savov — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:44:00 EST

Apricorn specializes in the fine art of making people believe their data is worth stealing and charging them for the privilege of protecting it. Its Aegis Bio range has now been expanded, both in number and in capacity, as the former ceiling of 250GB has been lifted with the introduction of 320GB, 500GB and 640GB variants. The 2.5-inch external disk validates user identity with that handy fingerprint scanner on top before allowing access to the otherwise 128-bit encrypted precious stuff within it. Prices of the new models top out at $160 for the most voluminous one, making them thrifty enough to buy even if you don't need secret agent-level security -- which, let's face it, you don't. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Aegis Bio grows to 640GB of fingerprint-protected storage

Aegis Bio grows to 640GB of fingerprint-protected storage originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another

Darren Murph — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:16:00 EST

Don't call it a comeback. Or do, because that's precisely what this is. After Clear shuffled its final incorruptible passenger through a speedy security lane in June of last year, the company closed up shop and forced even the nicest of travelers to re-join the herds. Thankfully for us all, Alclear has decided that life's simply no good without a hasty security option at airports, and it has plopped down $6 million in order to acquire the assets of Verified Identity Pass out of bankruptcy protection. According to our hombres at Gadling, that purchase price doesn't include individual airport contracts, so it'll be an uphill battle getting these lanes back into the places in which they're needed. If all goes well, we could see the first Clear avenues reopen this fall, with pricing set at $179 per year for unlimited individual use or $229 per year for unlimited family use. Head on past the break for more details on reactivating old subscriptions and the full presser.

Continue reading Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another

Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's FVA-U1 reads veins, coming to Japan this month

Vlad Savov — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:43:00 EST

Sony has finally delivered on its Mofiria promise with what it claims is the world's smallest and lightest finger vein reader. That assertion may be challenged by Hitachi, whose 3mm-thick scanner promises to be even smaller, but the critical difference here is that the FVA-U1 is about to go on sale in Japan come December 18, whereas Hitachi's hardware is nowhere to be found. The Sony scanner weighs a measly 33 grams, hooks up via USB, and adds an extra layer of biometric protection for your most precious data. Whether carrying around an extra dongle just to protect some Excel spreadsheets and your Outlook account is worth it, we leave up to you.

Sony's FVA-U1 reads veins, coming to Japan this month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi builds 3mm-thick vein scanner in its Transylvanian lair

Vlad Savov — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST

Hitachi has always been hot for vein authentication modules, and its latest iteration takes the whole tech down to just three millimeters in thickness. Given that the current generation requires 23.5mm (nearly an inch) of space to operate in, it's easy to see why your netbook doesn't have one, but Hitachi hopes that's all about to change. Using a CMOS sensor to take almost instant readings, the vein scanner is deadly accurate -- there's only a one in a million chance of it authorizing the wrong person. Volume production is expected within two years, meaning that by 2011 you'll finally have a reliable way to keep your parents out of your "Misc" data folders.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Hitachi builds 3mm-thick vein scanner in its Transylvanian lair originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi develops biometric payment system, uses it to sell junk food

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:00 EST

Looks like Hitachi has made some serious headway on the biometric payment system we first heard about way back in the halcyon days of 2007. According to the Mainichi Daily News, the company is currently testing its Finger Vein Authentication System internally, with the device serving as a method of payment for vending machines and the like. Once it's proven that employees are able to get their Koala's March and Hi-Chew without incident, the plan is to up the ante, with high precision ID systems that combine finger vein and finger print authentication systems for military use.

Filed under: Science

Hitachi develops biometric payment system, uses it to sell junk food originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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India issuing biometric IDs to all 1.2 billion citizens

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST

While not busy being the destination of Westerners seeking spiritual growth and the birthplace of the beloved Bollywood song and dance flick, apparently India is home to some 1.2 billion people -- many of whom possess no proof of identification whatsoever. According to The Times (UK), less than seven per cent of the population are registered for income tax, and the voting lists are terribly inaccurate. Hoping to bring the nation's census data into the 21st century, India has created the Unique Identification Authority. Under the direction of Nandan Nilekani, one of the founders of Infosys, the plan is to outfit every one of the nation's citizens with a biometric ID card that contains personal data, fingerprint or iris scans, and possibly even criminal records and credit histories. Gathering the data is projected to cost at least $4.9 billion, a figure that's likely to soar once the ball gets rolling. While the Government expects that the first cards will be issued within 18 months, analysts say that project won't likely reach "critical mass" for at least four years.

[Via Switched]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

India issuing biometric IDs to all 1.2 billion citizens originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ennova announces USB drive with OLED screen / fingerprint scanner

Donald Melanson — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:31:00 EST

It's still a little ways from an actual release, but it looks like the folks at Ennova Direct just couldn't help themselves from announcing that they've received a patent for a newfangled biometric USB flash drive that packs a built-in OLED screen. Even better, that OLED screen apparently actually doubles as the fingerprint scanner, which may not add much extra in terms of security, but should be good for at least a few gee whiz moments. The actual patent, however, isn't for that bit of convergence, but for the sliding mechanism that covers the screen when it's closed and pops out the USB connector when it's open. No word on pricing or capacities just yet, but it looks like the first few drives should be available under the ION Technologies brand sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

Filed under: Peripherals, Storage

Ennova announces USB drive with OLED screen / fingerprint scanner originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu's PalmSecure takes high-speed, contact free biometric readings

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:23:00 EST

This next item should be music to the ears of security professionals, fans of biometric devices, and germophobes alike. Fujitsu has just announced a new palm vein authentication device -- one that's being touted as the world's fastest, and the first that works without the user actually touching the device. Unlike past implementations of this technology, which moved at a comparative snail's pace, PalmSecure works in as little as one millisecond. We can think of a number of places where this sort of thing could be particularly useful, from top secret lairs housing doomsday devices to anyplace where people might not be washing their hands as often as they should be (we really hate that). Despite its speed, Fujitsu insists that this bad boy performs with the same level of accuracy as its slow moving brethren. More pics after the break.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading Fujitsu's PalmSecure takes high-speed, contact free biometric readings

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Fujitsu's PalmSecure takes high-speed, contact free biometric readings originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexico to fingerprint cellphone users to fight crime

Darren Murph — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:02:00 EST

Not sure if you folks have heard, but apparently there are some serious gang-related issues in Mexico. Crazy, right? Just about two years after the Mexican government began swapping game consoles and computers for weaponry in a bizarre (and evidently futile) effort to curb crime, the country has now decided to take things one step further. Beginning in April, a law will require mobile phone companies to build up a fingerprint database of their clients, with the idea being to "match calls and messages to the phones' owners." Reportedly, there are around 700 criminal bands in Mexico, many of which utilize prepaid handsets in order to take care of business. Oh, and if you just so happen to lose your phone or loan it out, you've got to "report it immediately to avoid being held responsible for a handset used in a crime." Awesome.

[Image courtesy of BusinessWeek]

Filed under: Culture, Misc

Mexico to fingerprint cellphone users to fight crime originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioMirage Coffer offers biometric security for people with money to waste

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:23:00 EST

It's not every day that we see gear aimed at "forward-thinking and discerning social elites" -- if anything, it seems that the most high-falutin' types are looking for ways to stay out of our orbit. Then again, our idea of security usually involves Lego safes and Nintendo deadbolt hacks. When we learned that "true peace of mind" could be ours once we had our hot little hands on the BioMirage Coffer -- a 16.4 x 10.6 x 5.8-inch, 10.4 lb strong box featuring biometric fingerprint authorization and a USB key -- our ears perked up. We're not sure what this thing's made of (or that it couldn't be smashed open if you were so inclined), but who wouldn't want to own a gadget that "epitomizes symbiotic interactions between people and technology?" Wait... this thing's $579? We'll pass.

Filed under: Household

BioMirage Coffer offers biometric security for people with money to waste originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon fiber door boasts biometric scanner, $15,000 sticker

Darren Murph — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:36:00 EST

Being the home cinema fanatics that we are, we'd much rather spend around two large to snag one of QuietHome's THX-certified doors, but our love for all things biometric still manages to make this one tug on our delicate heartstrings. Masterfully crafted by the carbon fiber gurus at Brazil's own Chaote Carbon, this 99-pound, 7.5- x 4.9-foot door was carefully wrapped in carbon fiber and equipped with a biometric scanner to keep unwelcome guests waiting in the rain. We can't say we totally see the value proposition considering the $15,000 price tag, but we get the idea the buyer here probably has more money than he can figure out how to spend.

[Via Unplggd]

Filed under: Household

Carbon fiber door boasts biometric scanner, $15,000 sticker originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo ThinkPads to freeze when texted, deter thieves from getting the goods

Darren Murph — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:57:00 EST

We've seen some pretty sophisticated laptop security measures out here in the volatile civilian world, but Lenovo's taking things all top secret with its new Constant Secure Remote Disable feature. Slated to hit select ThinkPads in Q1 2009, the Phoenix Technologies, um, technology enables specially equipped notebooks to become utterly worthless if stolen -- so long as the owner remembers to text in the emergency code, that is. You see, with the Remote Disable function, proper owners can send an SMS to their missing WWAN-enabled machine in order to make it inoperable; the lappie then sends a message back to confirm that it's currently irritating the daylights out of a wannabe data thief. 'Course, said thief can track you down and implement all manners of torture to get you to reactivate it, but we suppose that's the risk you take with that sort of lifestyle. Full release after the break.

Continue reading Lenovo ThinkPads to freeze when texted, deter thieves from getting the goods

Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops

Lenovo ThinkPads to freeze when texted, deter thieves from getting the goods originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fingerprint 'developer' used to lift text from letter-containing envelopes

Darren Murph — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST

MacGyver and Maxwell Smart had a plethora of tricks up their sleeves (or shoes, as it were), but they never had this. One Paul Kelly and colleagues at Loughborough University have discovered that a disulfur dinitride polymer can not only turn exposed fingerprints brown as it creates a reaction with the nearly undetectable residues, but it can also lift text from departed letters. In an odd twist of fate, it was found that traces of ink jet printer ink can actually initiate the polymer just like print residue can, and the detection limit is so low that details from a letter that was once within an envelope can be seen after adequate exposure to the chemical. And you thought snail-mailing those interoffice love letters was a safe bet.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Fingerprint 'developer' used to lift text from letter-containing envelopes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK police to wield mobile fingerprint scanners, facial recognition up next

Darren Murph — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:03:00 EST

Surely your remember Project Lantern from back in 2006, right? If you weren't too fond of that initiative, let's just say your worst nightmare is coming true. Going forward, every police force in the UK will be equipped with mobile fingerprint scanners, which will allow the fuzz to carry out identity checks right on the street. Dubbed Project Midas, this here setup is supposed to "transform the speed of criminal investigations"while simultaneously freaking out anyone remotely concerned about personal privacy; in fairness, cops insist that fingerprints scanned via these portable devices will not be stored or added to databases, and we're told that they'll only be used " when they suspect an individual of an offense and can't establish his / her identity." The £30 million ($47.5 million) to £40 million ($63.4 million) initial phase should hit widespread deployment within 18 months, and in case you thought it was over after this, you should probably know that facial recognition in the field is the next top priority.

[Via Pocket-lint, image courtesy of SpringCard]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

UK police to wield mobile fingerprint scanners, facial recognition up next originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researcher crafts tattoo / scar matching system to nab outlaws

Darren Murph — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:39:00 EST

Passports and licenses are so last century -- these days, sophisticated crooks can change their identity on a whim, and one particular Michigan State University researcher is looking to stay one step ahead. Anil Jain has created an automatic image retrieval system dubbed Tattoo-ID, which "includes an annotated database containing images of scars, marks and tattoos" that is "linked to the criminal history records of all the suspects and convicts who have a tattoo." Essentially, the application will give law enforcement the ability to query on permanent skin markings, which sure beats manually flipping through ginormous books of images just hoping for a match. Reportedly, Jain and his team are continuing to improve the system, but there's been no word on how long it'll take before implementation can begin. Better stay on the straight and narrow, ~~Zune Guy~~ Microsoft Zune.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Researcher crafts tattoo / scar matching system to nab outlaws originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UPEK Eikon To Go RSA key comes with a built-in fingerprint reader

Nilay Patel — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:13:00 EST

Although RSA's SecurID two-factor authentication system is pretty solid (except for when the keys go out of sync), it looks like organizations with even more stringent security requirements might be interested in UPEK's new Eikon To Go RSA key, which adds a fingerprint reader to the mix. Yep, nothing really too wild -- but it's definitely one of the cooler-looking SecurID keys we've seen out there.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

UPEK Eikon To Go RSA key comes with a built-in fingerprint reader originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 May 2008 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researcher raises alarm about biometric hacking with "biologger" tool

Donald Melanson — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:02:00 EST

While attempts to bypass biometric security measures are certainly nothing new, a researcher from London-based Information Risk Management is now raising an alarm about a new area of biometric hacking, and he's even gone so far as to release the source code for proof-of-concept tool to really drive the point home. As PC World reports, IRM's Matthew Lewis has demonstrated what he describes as a "biologging" system, which actually intercepts and captures biometric data as it passes between the biometric scanner and the processing server, during which time it apparently isn't encrypted on many systems. That, Lewis says, opens up the possibility of so-called "man-in-the-middle" attacks," although there is the slight problem that the biologger needs to actually be inserted into the network in order to do its thing. Even so, Lewis says that such dangers do exist, and he's hoping that the release of the tool will encourage manufacturers to beef up their security.

[Image courtesy IRM white paper]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Researcher raises alarm about biometric hacking with "biologger" tool originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon's eye-based biometric photo watermarking system hits the Patent Office

Nilay Patel — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:25:00 EST

Image attribution is big business on this tangled web of ours, but embedding digital watermarks into images is a costly and time-consuming procedure for most photographers -- which is why this Canon patent application is so intriguing. The filing describes a "Registration" mode for digital cameras that embeds biometric data captured from your iris in the image automatically as a watermark -- you simply set yourself as one of up to five users, look into the viewfinder for a moment so the camera can scan your eye, and start taking photos. The system embeds the metadata in batches to avoid slowing the camera down while you're out in the field, and it sounds like the system can be modified to simply generate a verification code instead of a true watermark, preserving image quality. Of course, this is just a patent application, so there's no word on when or where we might see this tech pop up, but you know photographers will be all over this when it finally hits.

[Via Photography Bay, thanks Eric]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Canon's eye-based biometric photo watermarking system hits the Patent Office originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Master Lock unveils smartTouch garage door opener

Darren Murph — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:08:00 EST

Let's face it: there's a myriad ways to open one's garage door, but you won't find us kvetching over a new, relatively affordable alternative to the tried and true numeric keypad. Master Lock's smartTouch GDO is a universal add-on device that ditches the numbers and relies instead on the swiping of your digit to open the connected door. Purportedly, you can register up to 20 users on a single device, ensuring that your entire fraternity will have the ability to sneak in through the garage door if they misplace the house key. Sadly, it's not likely to arrive before the Spring semester starts, but you can snap one up shortly after Rush Week for $129.95.

[Via Gearlog]

Filed under: Household

Master Lock unveils smartTouch garage door opener originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia envisions fingerprint-reading cellphone displays

Darren Murph — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:51:00 EST

Cellphones with built-in fingerprint scanners aren't exactly revolutionary, but a recent patent application filed by Nokia could foreshadow mobile displays that recognize and react to biometric inputs. More specifically, the technology would see a touch-sensitive user interface that could allow / deny access or morph depending on what user swiped their finger. Moreover, a mysterious "visual display cursor" is also referenced, which would seemingly allow the device to bring important applications / lists / etc. to the screen's forefront depending on the preferences saved for each fingerprint. As always, it's a mystery as to when something like this will actually go mainstream, but we certainly dig the sound of it -- even when written in totally incomprehensible patent app lingo.

[Via CellPassion]

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia envisions fingerprint-reading cellphone displays originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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