Apple's Next-Generation Devices May Include a Fingerprint Scanner

The next generation of Apple devices may include a fingerprint scanner.

A newly published patent obtained by the company shows a fingerprint scanner that could be embedded within products. Rumored to be included in the upcoming iPhone 5S, the scanner would add an extra layer of security to the iPhone.

For instance, when you’re sliding to unlock the phone, it will also simultaneously scan your fingerprint. If it detects that the person swiping isn’t you, he or she won’t be allowed to use your phone, and will remain locked out.

This isn't the first time that Apple has looked at fingerprint technology. The Cupertino, Calif. company acquired fingerprint-scanning firm AuthenTec last year, causing many to suspect that it would be including a fingerprinting feature in upcoming devices.

Patently Apple points out that while fingerprinting technology could be useful, recent PRISM revelations could make many users wary of activating the feature.

Do you think Apple should include fingerprinting technology in its upcoming devices? Would you use it?

iphone friendly Watch or so called smartwatch

Hey iPhone users: how many times a day do you take your beloved device out of your pocket just to check the time, change the tune, check email or see who’s calling? What if we wore some kind of notification device on our wrists — let’s call them watches — that could connect to your iPhone to do all of the above and more? And what if it didn’t cost an arm and a leg?

Smart watches aren’t exactly a new notion. In the past year we’ve seen and reviewed several: the InPulse, theWiMM One and the oddly-named I’m Watch. But they were all powered by Android, or connected to Android smartphones only.

iPhone owners were out of luck — until Wednesday, when a new smart watch by the guy behind InPulse (Eric Migicovsky, above) hit funding site Kickstarter. Dubbed the Pebble, it’s the first smart watch that can form a meaningful, long-lasting relationship with your iOS device, as well as Android.

And it’s nothing if not popular. The Kickstarter campaign asked for $100,000 in funding; it got that in the first two hours. By day’s end, the device had more than $500,000 in pledges.

What’s so smart about the Pebble? Well, for starters, it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Other smart watches offer color screens as if they’re trying to be a mini-smartphone. The Pebble lets your iPhone do all the heavy lifting. Its simple e-paper display — much like the original Kindle — is viewable even in direct sunlight, which is pretty necessary for a watch.

It is also releasing its software kit to developers, so they can create their own iPhone app-linking apps. Out of the box, you’ll be able to see incoming emails and calls, track your run and your bike ride via your phone’s GPS, as well as use your watch as a remote for the music app on your phone.

That feature alone seems worth the asking price — which, by the way, will be $149.

Fresh iPhone 5 rumors: Modified chip, new body, bigger screen

The next-gen iPhone is going to be a really big deal and include plenty of design tweaks, according to reports.

More next-gen iPhone rumors surfaced today pointing to a modified Apple chip, more memory, new chassis, and a bigger screen.
Display and chassis: Let's start with a report at Business Insider, which cites a research note from Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White (returning from a tour of component suppliers in China). White says the next iPhone will have 4-inch screen and "sleek look that we believe will require a unibody case."
The upcoming iPhone is also expected to have 4G (presumably he means LTE) capability, like the new iPad, according to the analyst.
Big launch: White ventures that the launch will come in August or September and believes the "iPhone 5 ramp...could be extraordinary, dwarfing previous launches and driving the stock closer to our $1,001 price target."
A5X chip and memory: Next up is a report from 9to5Mac, claiming that the "actual next-generation iPhone is specifically said to not include the iPhone 4/4S design, but Apple is testing these new devices in older casings to throw off leaks."
A prototype of the next-gen iPhone uses a derivative of the A5X processor used in the new iPad, according to the Apple-centric site. But like the gen 3 iPad the new iPhone will have 1GB of memory.

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight