Apple to Buy Mobile Security Company AuthenTec for $356 Million

[DTphonehome]

Originally Posted by Kaibelf

I find it hilarious how many people think they know the cost vs. benefit of Apple's acquisitions more than Tim Cook and Co. They don't just buy up companies for no reason, and they don't waste money, but, like all things, they keep it close to the chest.

Well obviously they know what they're doing. I'm not implying otherwise. I was just hoping geniuses such as yourself would have some more insight on this than morons like me.

[AdeFowler]

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Seems like a high price for what doesn't look like a particularly unique technology. Am I missing something?

The IP alone probably makes the price reasonable. Not to mention the money Apple will receive from Samsung, should they honour the agreement.

[duncyboy]

"Hey, kid! Thumb a hundred bucks to save the clock tower?!"

[DTphonehome]

Originally Posted by acidblue

Please note that I am a professional software engineer...

It's amazing to me that hardware companies, such as AuthenTec, who produce actual tangible products are purchased for significantly less than some silly, single shot app (like silly photo apps, and wow there was a pun in there) development companies. There is so much more needed in the engineering of hardware, and the accompanying software than there is in a stupid 'social app'. Hardware companies have to deal with real world engineering, real-world supply chain management etc. Where silly little software companies can just offload all the distribution off to the cloud. An app company can make a silly picture taking app that distorts your photos and they are all of a sudden worth a billion dollars; crazy.

/rant.

All of those things you described cost a lot of money, and if anything goes wrong, the whole operation struggles or fails. But an app is a relatively simple operation that has the potential to reach many many more people, and can potentially make money hand over fist with relatively little effort. That's why a popular app is worth so much.

[sbrhwkp3]

Does the blonde come with it?

[krspkbl]

I'd love to see finger print security on Apple products.

I was just thinking how they could implement it. Not sure about iPhone/iPad or that but for MacBooks they could put the sensor where the power button was. Isn't the power on button now just a key on the keyboard? It would be as simple as pressing the power key and then placing your finger on the top corner of the case and you've logged in!

[BornAgainApple]

I like it. I'm a little security conscious and don't use the simple passcode unlock, so the idea of not having to always input it is very appealing to this user.

[pesc]

Required reading for this who think a fingerprint scanner will "improve security".

http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-...tml#biometrics
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/05...print_sensors/

Clue: Your fingerprints are not secrets. You are spreading thousands of copies of them every day for anyone interested in gathering them.

[Jayse]

Yes please!!!

This sort of tech is definitely the future of a greater mobile payment authentication system, and could even replace 'swipe to unlock'.

Exciting times ahead!!!

[Star Brood]

If they can afford this, why can't they afford to bring back Rosetta?

[koolmagicguy]

Originally Posted by chaosconan

..or will replace the menu button on the iPhone..

What in the name of Godzilla is a menu button?

[adamberti]

They do a lot more than fingerprint sofware/hardware.

http://www.authentec.com/News/ViewNe...droid-and.aspx

Reuters just speculated that's what Apple wants is their fingerprint technology. For all we know it could be their content protection technology they use for IPTV and they want to use this in the new Apple TV.

I wouldn't say for sure this means they're investigating using fingerprint scanners. It could be some little piece of technology that Apple wants more and the happen to get fingerprint technology with it.

[chaosconan]

1. Simple Authentication
2. Electronic Signature
3. Heart Rate Sensor (maybe)
4. Temperature Sensor (maybe)

Options 3 and 4 possible if they use a multipurpose scanner.

[JHankwitz]

Originally Posted by refect

I've always wanted a finger print scanner to unlock my phone. My only question is where are these "20 million mobile phones" that already have this tech?

Where does it claim that?

[chaosconan]

Originally Posted by koolmagicguy

What in the name of Godzilla is a menu button?

Sorry, I meant iPhone Home Button.

[Swain]

Maybe they bought it to screw Samsung over?
Just speculating, but it might have played a factor for all we know.

[koolmagicguy]

Originally Posted by chaosconan

Sorry, I meant iPhone Home Button.

Oh, for a few seconds I was really confused.


___

I'm really skeptical about fingerprint security. I really hope they don't do away with passcode protection completely.

[JHankwitz]

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Seems like a high price for what doesn't look like a particularly unique technology. Am I missing something?

If the do-nothing special Instagram sold for $1,000,000,000, I would say this is a real bargin.

[mono1980]

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Seems like a high price for what doesn't look like a particularly unique technology. Am I missing something?

If Facebook can buy Instagram for a billion dollars, this seems like a steal in comparison. You know, since it's actually a unique technology.

[Pianoblack3]

Originally Posted by koolmagicguy

Oh, for a few seconds I was really confused.


___

I'm really skeptical about fingerprint security. I really hope they don't do away with passcode protection completely.

No offence but it wasn't hard to tell what he was meaning

[JHankwitz]

Originally Posted by rmwebs

Other than the appearance of the scanner, what can you seriously do to improve on a fingerprint scanner based authentication system?

Same thing as Apple has always done. Taken new and/or existing technology and making it useable and affordable, and incorporating it into everyday use by the masses. This has usually been a winning business model for Apple.

[Nungster]

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Seems like a high price for what doesn't look like a particularly unique technology. Am I missing something?

In addition to the tech, they are able to block/control what access to the technology that Samsung will want.

[paulbiscardi]

Originally Posted by DTphonehome

Seems like a high price for what doesn't look like a particularly unique technology. Am I missing something?

Yes, this is not your typical fingerprint sensor. They have some incredible IP and as a result, I'm sure the implementation will be unlike what we're used to.

[Rogifan]

So is Apple just buying up patents here?

[Prother]

Originally Posted by Jayse

Yes please!!!

This sort of tech is definitely the future of a greater mobile payment authentication system, and could even replace 'swipe to unlock'.

Exciting times ahead!!!

But swipe to unlock isn't for security, it's to ensure the phone doesn't unlock in your pocket with accidental button pushes. The passcode is what this would really replace. A "swipe to unlock" with this feature would probably do the trick, and if the fingerprint is not recognized then it would bring up the passcode menu. Ideal if you let friends use your phone and can tell them the passcode, but you won't have to type it in yourself every time.