News

Synaptics launches biometrics-based touch pad

June 25, 2002

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Citing the need for added security in notebook original equipment manufacturers, touch-sensing technology company Synaptics (NASDAQ:SYNA) has launched a new touchpad product that utilizes biometric technology.

Synaptics' Fingerprint TouchPad combines Synaptics' TouchPad interface with a fingerprint sensor manufactured by AuthenTec Inc. The touchpad's complementary software requires user identification through the fingerprint sensor before the operating system loads. Company officials said this would prevent unauthorized access to the computer's hardware and software.

"As mobile devices become smaller, they increasingly become targets for theft and unauthorized access," Don Kirby, Synaptics general manager of PC products, said in a news release, explaining why Synaptics and AuthenTec teamed on this project.

Price points were not disclosed by Synaptics officials in a news release.