Windows 7 Puts it’s Finger on Enhanced Biometric Support

I’ve always found biometrics to be an interesting aspect to technology. And I was excited to discover that Windows 7 offers changes to the way Windows handles biometrics to enable better experiences. Windows 7 introduces the Windows Biometric Framework which makes integration easier and more consistent to help deliver enhanced reliability, compatibility and usability of fingerprint-based solutions. The Windows Biometric Framework also makes it easier for developers to include biometrics in their applications by providing a common API that can be added independently with each biometric fingerprint solution. For a more in-depth look at the Windows Biometric Framework check out this whitepaper from Windows Hardware Developer Central.

This week at CES 2009, we have several key partners announcing support for the Windows Biometric Framework in Windows 7.

With tens of millions of notebooks in the market with UPEK fingerprint sensors, UPEK has worked closely with us on the development of the Windows Biometric Framework and sees strong value in using applications that support fingerprint biometrics through the Windows Biometric Framework. If your laptop uses a UPEK fingerprint sensor, such as my Lenovo X300, you can download the pre-release Protector Suite software here which utilizes the Windows Biometric Framework in the Windows 7 Beta today. I’m currently testing it out myself and its pretty slick! Rob Blau, UPEK’s Vice President of Development, talks more about UPEK’s support for Windows 7 here in their press release (Word Document).

AuthenTec has also worked closely with us on the development of the Windows Biometric Framework. They are providing beta test participants with access to software that enable convenient logon for Windows 7-based PCs, thanks to AuthenTec fingerprint sensors integrated with the new Windows Biometric Framework. You can download their 32-bit software here and their 64-bit software here. AuthenTec fingerprint sensors can be seen in business and consumer notebooks from the world’s leading brands from ASUS, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung and Toshiba. Andy VanDamia, AuthenTec’s Director of PC Software, discusses working with us on the Windows Biometric Framework here.

And Validity believes the Windows Biometric Framework facilitates greater adoption of fingerprint security solutions by providing a flexible platform, enabling easy fingerprint sensor integration into PCs.

The early adoption and readiness by these companies has played a vital role in validating the suitability of the Windows Biometric Framework as a platform for fingerprint biometric devices in Windows 7. (story Link)

Fujitsu Handy Drive Stores Lots, Consumes Few Watts

Little notebook drives just got a whole lot bigger, thanks to a new line of portable drives from Fujitsu.

Big brand names like Seagate and Western Digital dominate the mainstream hard drive market, but don't overlook Fujitsu. The Japanese giant has been in storage for 40 years, actually, and in the mobile market owns a decent 15 percent of the market, manufacturing 2.5-inch drives in the Philippines and Thailand.

Fujitsu ups the ante today, introducing a new portable 500GB capacity to U.S. shelves. The USB 2.0, bus-powered drives carry the Handy Drive brand name and ship with Acronis True Image Home Backup, a software package that lets users create full drive images, and a password lock tool which disables read/write access to drive. Handy Drive is a new brand name in the US, although the name and products have been around in Europe and Asia for a few years.

The two-platter, 5,400-rpm drive uses the company's MJA2 series hard drives, which Fujitsu calls a breakthrough in storage density. Other manufacturers currently sell 500GB drives as well, such as the Buffalo MiniStation TurboUSB and the Western Digital My Passport Elite; which manufacturer actually started producing the drives first is hard to determine. Fujitsu's drives distinguish themselves in another way, however: low power. The Fujitsu Handy Drive uses just 1.4 watts during read/write, and sips a mere 0.6 watts when idle. Other drives run as high as 2.6 watts. The 250GB and 500GB capacities will be available in the U.S. in February for around $150 retail; 400GB and 320GB capacities will follow soon after. (full Story)