NTT DOCOMO Unveils Fujitsu F-01A with AuthenTec Fingerprint Sensor Security and Multi-functionality

AuthenTec, a provider of fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions to the high-volume PC, wireless device, and access control markets, announced that NTT DOCOMO is now offering subscribers the world’s first fingerprint-enabled waterproof cell phone, the Fujitsu F-01A.

 

NTT DOCOMO is Japan's committed provider of leading-edge mobile voice, data and multimedia services. The company currently owns more than 54 million customers in Japan, and is one of the world's reliable mobile communications operators.

 

Japan based Fujitsu (News - Alert) Limited is a provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace.

 

With the advancement of technology, mobile handset is day by day becoming an information rich business and personal tool thereby making it more valuable and vulnerable to theft and fraud. AuthenTec (News - Alert) claims that the company’s sensors are typically used in more than 95 percent of all commercially available fingerprint biometric cell phones in order to protect access to the device, stored information, sensitive email and mobile commerce transactions.

 

Moreover, mobile phone customers can now be relieved from the fear of their device getting damaged 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.

 

The F-01A is the 17th Fujitsu phone that leverages multiple touch-powered functions of AuthenTecs AES1711 fingerprint sensor and the second Fujitsu phone to use AuthenTec’s TrueNav user navigation capability. Further, NTT DOCOMO mentioned that this is the first phone to use a fingerprint sensor using AuthenTec’s revolutionary new TouchStone packaging.

 

The phone is based on a Symbian (News - Alert) 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.

 

“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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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,” added Takada.

 

“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, vice president of AuthenTec Wireless Products.

 

Stwart also mentioned that the smooth and conformal TouchStone packaging will enable a new user experience for the AuthenTec fingerprint sensor and when combined with the company’s TrueNav navigational capability, the sensor’s features and functions are enhanced.