Synaptics' USB Fingerprint Module can Add Biometric Authentication to PC only

HIGHLIGHTS

The USB dongle solution can add biometric authentication to any PC.

It is expected to be available in devices later this year.

The USB dongle solution uses Natural ID fingerprint authentication.

Synaptics, a company with a product portfolio of touch, see, and biometrics, has introduced a new biometric solution for PC. The new company "ultra-small" form factor USB dongle allows Natural ID fingerprint authentication secure on any PC. In the field of smartphones, the company best know for making a fingerprint sensor for Samsung.

The company explains that the new USB dongle, which displays Synaptics' IronVeil 'Catalyst' sensors on board, is a turnkey solution for OEMs, ODMs, and private label that will allow them to offer a convenient and inexpensive alternative to the fingerprint module for PC. The new solution from Synaptics can be used on a PC that does not have an integrated biometric sensor. The new turnkey USB dongle is expected to sample in Q3 CY16 while mass production is expected to begin in Q4 CY16.

"Dongle is, ready to use fingerprint module is fully housed small enough to remain quietly installed in the notebook USB port," the company explained. USB dongle using Synaptics Natural ID solutions' which incorporates biometrics and advanced encryption.

The company stressed that the implementation of new biometric USB dongle solution supports Windows Halo and Microsoft Passport. It is noted that the solution ID Certified Natural FIDO (Fast Identity Online) which means providing comprehensive compliance with the industry-wide ecosystem of products.

"Cycle purchases Notebook historically longer when compared to smartphones, and fingerprint solutions based on new USB Synaptics' provides a cost-effective and simple entry point for what I estimate it to be 500 million Windows 10 systems through Windows Halo and Microsoft Passport at the end of 2016 , "said Patrick Moorhead, president and chief analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

Commenting on the launch, Godfrey Cheng, Vice President of Marketing, Human Interface Systems Division (HISD) Synaptics, said, "The rapid growth of online payments combined with the critical need to protect access to data PC for businesses and consumers alike driving the need for high-performance biometric authentication . USB fingerprint reader recently we expanded line-up of PC peripherals, enabling our customers to offer consumers a variety of options for adding fingerprint sensing for notebook and desktop PCs that exist. These solutions turnkey low cost can be easily combined or sold separately. "

Separately, speaking to Engadget at Computex, Synaptics revealed that USB-based fingerprint module OEM will cost approximately US $ 40 units.

The company also showed off a fingerprint sensor under glass at a trade show, a sensor that works under the glass on the trackpad below the screen laptop and smartphone. Synaptics says the sensor will be ready for Windows Hello, and which has improved anti-spoofing technology for fingerprints. the company did not give a deadline for the launch, which is unfortunate, as the technology that will remove the reliance on secondary buttons or sensors separate from the trackpad of this laptop or smartphone screen, freeing up space and give more freedom to the designer.