AuthenTec Sells Encryption Business, Shows Apple's Interest in Fingerprint Sensors

[Akshay Masand]

With Apple supposedly attempting to acquire a security solutions provider, a recent move by AuthenTec to sell a portion of its business suggests that the Cupertino California company is most interested in its fingerprint scanning technology. AuthenTec supposedly reached a deal to sell its embedded security solutions division to another company named Inside Secure. The deal would mean that AuthenTec has retained ownership of its combined fingerprint and wireless near-field communication solution, which is part of a different division.

The decision to sell the embedded security division may hint at why Apple has pursued a deal with the company. Reports previously surfaced in July regarding Apple looking to buy AuthenTec for $356 million. It’s now rumored that AuthenTec is looking to get rid of the extraneous parts of its business that Apple isn’t interested in acquiring. As of right now, AuthenTec still owns its fingerprint sensor and NFC technology, which would hint that said features might appear in future Apple products.

As of right now, AuthenTec’s embedded security division is valued at up to $48 million. Inside Secure is committed to pay $38 million in cash at closing, plus up to an additional $10 million in the future. Although Apple hasn’t officially confirmed its talks with AuthenTec, the security company notified customers in September that it would no longer be offering its security technology starting next year. Its client included Samsung, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Fujitsu. To make the acquisition seem more plausible, a recent filing with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission hinted that a piece of hardware named the “Smart Sensor” was key to Apple’s acquisition. The component goes further than just simple fingerprint scanning by acting as a full-fledged touch pad controller, allowing UI navigation with one finger. This specific sensor is capable of identifying different fingers which can be associated with certain tasks. An example of this would be opening the phone app with a thumb or sending an email with a forefinger.

We’ll have to see what’s true and what isn’t though by waiting patiently and seeing what surfaces next. In the end, it’s beneficial to the consumers regardless because it means that we’ll eventually get more appealing features in future devices.

Source: NFC World

[fanboyfanboy]

I feel this could be kinda cool, like a fingerprint scanner on the right side of the home button that could tell which finger is which and allow you to designate certain tasks

[micaiah12]

I feel this could be kinda cool, like a fingerprint scanner on the right side of the home button that could tell which finger is which and allow you to designate certain tasks

Or the home button double as a fingerprint scanner. I don't think Apple would put another object on the exterior or the iPhone.

[awesomeman123]

It would probably be on the side of the phone. You would just slide the edge and something happens.

[fanboyfanboy]

However they integrate it, would be a cool and useful feature

[*T*]

If apple is still in the works of buying NFC tech, it's not coming in the iPhone 5S.