Jan 18, 2009 19:00 ET
Fujitsu Now Shipping World’s First Waterproof Cell Phone to Offer Fingerprint Sensor Security and Multi-functionality
MELBOURNE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Jan 18, 2009
AuthenTec (NASDAQ:AUTH), the world leading provider of fingerprint
sensors and solutions, today announced that NTT DOCOMO is now offering
subscribers the world’s first fingerprint-enabled waterproof cell phone,
the Fujitsu F-01A. This feature-rich phone is the first to use a
fingerprint sensor using AuthenTec’s revolutionary new TouchStone™
packaging. In addition to convenient and easy-to-use security, the phone
incorporates AuthenTec’s TrueNav™ technology for touchpad-like
navigational control via AuthenTec’s AES1711 fingerprint sensor.
The F-01A is the 17th Fujitsu phone to leverage the
convenient security of an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor and the second
Fujitsu phone to use AuthenTec’s TrueNav™ user navigation
capability. The F-01A is based on a Symbian operating system and
features a 3.5-inch widescreen VGA touchscreen display, 5.2 megapixel
camera with Autofocus, built-in GPS using Mobile Google Maps with Street
View, e-Wallet mobile payment capability, and a 1Seg mobile TV tuner.
More than 9 million mobile phones today include an AuthenTec sensor to
enhance privacy by securing the device’s personal and corporate data
(e-mail, photos, contact lists, etc.), provide advanced navigation and
personalization functions and support secure m-commerce.
“We’re pleased to now offer this unique waterproof mobile phone which
combines next generation, all-inclusive entertainment with the
convenient security of an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor in the new docomo
PRIME series™ phone,” said Katsumi Takada, general manager for the
Mobile Phone Group of Fujitsu Limited. “Users of the new F-01A not only
enjoy the peace of mind offered by its waterproof capability but also by
the integrated fingerprint security which helps protect its stored files
and personal information.”
“Thanks to a collaborative effort with longtime partner Fujitsu, we were
able to utilize our new TouchStone packaging technology in a
first-of-a-kind phone that we believe will help create a new segment of
highly convenient and secure waterproof cell phones,” said Art Stewart,
AuthenTec vice president of Wireless Products. “The smooth and conformal
TouchStone packaging will enable a new user experience for the AuthenTec
fingerprint sensor. When combined with our TrueNav navigational
capability, the sensor’s features and functions are enhanced by offering
F-01A users very fluid, touchpad-like navigation.”
Fujitsu’s F-01A is the first product to use AuthenTec’s TouchStone
packaging technology. Future TouchStone packages will include smaller
form factors and multiple color variations.
The leading cause of cell phone returns not covered under warranty is
damage from exposure to excess moisture or immersion in water such as in
pools and hot tubs. Fujitsu’s F-01A waterproof cell phone meets IPX5 and
IPX7 specifications, making it capable of submersion in one meter of
water for up to 30 minutes. AuthenTec’s TouchStone package allows for
easy integration into various waterproof industrial design
configurations by providing the durability and water resistance required
for this new class of handsets.
AuthenTec’s TouchStone is a durable, thin profile fingerprint sensor
packaging technology which expands aesthetic and product integration
options for makers of cell phones, laptop computers, and other consumer
electronics. TouchStone technology combines all the features of
AuthenTec’s patented TruePrint technology with thin, durable, easy to
integrate, waterproof and surface-mountable packaging for today's
stylistic cell phone designs.
Unlike all other semiconductor components embedded within a cell phone
or other consumer electronic device, fingerprint sensors must be durable
enough to withstand the common wear and tear experienced on the outside
of the phone. TouchStone technology extends the already proven
durability of AuthenTec sensors by tripling the protective coating over
the fingerprint sensor die.
AuthenTec’s AES1711 low power, small form factor sensor for the wireless
market is based on TruePrint technology, AuthenTec's patented and unique
solution that reads below the surface of the skin to the live layer
where a person's true fingerprint resides. This patented subsurface
approach enables AuthenTec sensors to read virtually every fingerprint,
every time -- a critical requirement in any fingerprint-enabled device.
The sensor also combines AuthenTec’s TrueNav menu navigation features,
TrueFinger™ anti-spoofing security, and TrueMatch™
pattern matching to ensure the industry's highest level of security,
usability and convenience.
About AuthenTec
With more than 40 million sensors sold worldwide, AuthenTec is the world
leader in providing fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions to
the high-volume PC, wireless device, and access control markets.
AuthenTec's award-winning sensors take full advantage of The Power of
Touch® by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint® technology
to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means
available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user
authentication.
docomo PRIME series is a trademark or registered trademark of NTT
DOCOMO, INC. in Japan and other countries.
NTT DOCOMO's FOMA service is only available to subscribers in Japan.
For a press photo of Fujitsu’s docomo PRIME seriesTM F-01A,
please follow this link to AuthenTec’s website: http://www.authentec.com/f-01A.cfm
AuthenTec
Brent Dietz, 321-308-1320
brent.dietz@authentec.com