Friday, July 1, 2011

Apple Patents Improve iPhone Security With Biometrics

In a hint of things to come, more patents submitted by Apple just a few months ago show advances in future security designs for iPhones and notebook computers. The new authentication methods include several biometric technologies that would verify the identity of a user without any additional input from the owner of the device.

apple iphone patent security fingerprint biometric

Examples would use cameras and software for facial recognition or allow a touch screen to identify a fingerprint. These methods could authenticate a user and protect private information without the current delay required when entering a passcode.

Apple has also envisioned systems that would identify a user based on retinal patterns, the shape of their ears, or the sound of the user's voice. Other methods described in the patent application would have the user touch a sequence of shapes or gesture on the device in a particular pattern to unlock.

Although it sounds far-fetched, with further advances in mobile hardware even Apple's suggestion that DNA could be analyzed to authenticate may not be too far off.

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