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Does the fingerprint scanner concern you?


  • Total voters
    241
Fingerprint scanner seems gimmicky to me. Just another thing to go wrong. No thanks.

That being said, I don't think the rumors are true.
 
This forum can be used as a case study in paranoia and misinformation. I'm blown away sometimes by the things I read on this forum where you would expect to find tech savvy users. Just wow!!!

...did you already forget about Prism??? Oh and all the info Apple willingly provided to the government?

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Really man?
- There is a record of all your phone calls.
- There is a record of all your messages.
- There is a record of all your emails.
- There is ample data on your buying habbits, app and usage preferences, and personal relations.
- There is a record of all your GPS traces.
- There is a front-facing camera always looking at you.

So all the above is okay, but the fingerprint sensor is where you draw the line? We crossed the privacy line a looooooong time ago.

Incidentally, one of my friends has a peice of duct-tape over the front-facing camera on his iPhone 4S, also out of being paranoid I suspect. The downside is that now his screen doesn't auto-adjust the brightness. Seems just silly to me.

Yeah we crossed the "line" awhile back, so that makes it okay to give MORE information? It's the principle of the matter, but I see you don't care. Your attitude is what is wrong with America today and our lack of privacy.
 
You watch too many movies.

An optical fingerprint scanner CAN EASILY be defeated with a piece of tape and a sample of the print. No one specified we were talking about a capacitative fingerprint scanner, which can also be defeated, but requires more effort than most would be willing to go through.
 
I think some folks in this thread underestimate biometric authentication, but back on topic...

I bought a personal laptop and on a whim included a fingerprint scanner and it's great. One finger logs into my user account, a different finger logs in (or confirms) admin privileges. Neither one is my driving finger. ;) My LastPass account has a passphrase of almost 30 characters and I can instead log in with a finger swipe. I would like to see biometrics on an iPhone.
 
An optical fingerprint scanner CAN EASILY be defeated with a piece of tape and a sample of the print. No one specified we were talking about a capacitative fingerprint scanner, which can also be defeated, but requires more effort than most would be willing to go through.

Can you please link us to an experiment that shows that a high-quality scanner can easily be fooled like that? I saw people try that, and fail.
 
From the article:
There are many excellent fingerprint scanner that come to mind that are difficult to fool, but personally I would recommend using a fingerprint scanner that uses MSI (multi spectra imaging) that obtains image data from both the surface and subsurface. The capturing of surface and subsurface image data eliminates the problem of damaged, dry, oily, skin and receives fingerprint data not only from the surface but also from the subsurface fingerprint that making fooling the system very difficult if not impossible. I would also recommend the use of palm vein verification along with fingerprinting when a person is deported. Palm vein verification captures the vascular patterns appearing below the surface of the palm.
Obviously, not all fingerprint sensors are created equal. The technology described in bold, above, is the technology that Apple acquired.

The most noteworthy public product AuthenTec has is not its run of the mill finger print scanners, but a new "Smart Sensor" that acts as a sophisticated touch pad controller.

While just 13.3mm wide by 3mm high and a scant 1.30 mm thick, the company's first Smart Sensor, announced in May just as Apple began its frantic efforts to buy the firm, packs a 500 pixel per inch, 192x8 pixel detection matrix and all the necessary finger print matching technology and security encryption to serve as a fully self contained finger recognizer.

AuthenTec notes that its "semiconductor-based sensors are based on both capacitive and radio frequency (RF) technology that detects an image of the fingerprint ridge and valley pattern beneath the surface of the skin, thus capturing sharp and clear fingerprint patterns from the live layer. This approach, which is in marked contrast with optical, thermal and other solutions that simply read the surface of the skin, gives AuthenTec sensors significant advantages in image quality and in the protective coatings that the sensor can image through."

Additionally, AuthenTec has developed "anti-spoofing technology" that "dynamically measures the properties of finger skin placed on the sensor while the finger is being scanned. This patented technology ensures that only real fingerprints are read by converting the properties of the skin into digital data which are delivered to the host computer for analysis. AuthenTec anti-spoofing technology then compares the data with expected properties to ensure fingerprint authentication."

The company notes that "because of the approach, anyone who attempts to swipe the finger of a dead person in order to access important physical or logical data would fail."

A touch pad for iOS devices

In addition, AuthenTec's Smart Sensor can also be used to provide touch-based navigation, functioning as a "precise cursor control for text editing," with support for "360 degree mouse navigation," "optical joystick emulation," or as a "unique turbo-scroll feature for rapid browsing of long emails, contact lists or websites," according to public information released by the firm prior to its acquisition.
 
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An optical fingerprint scanner CAN EASILY be defeated with a piece of tape and a sample of the print. No one specified we were talking about a capacitative fingerprint scanner, which can also be defeated, but requires more effort than most would be willing to go through.
Apple acquired AuthenTec for its capacitive fingerprint sensor technology. All this talk about decade-old optical scanning technology is irrelevant, because that is not the technology that Apple acquired for its devices. You can't incorporate an optical fingerprint scanner beneath a black home button.
 
...did you already forget about Prism??? Oh and all the info Apple willingly provided to the government?

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Yeah we crossed the "line" awhile back, so that makes it okay to give MORE information? It's the principle of the matter, but I see you don't care. Your attitude is what is wrong with America today and our lack of privacy.

Conspiracy theorists typically see things opposite of how they really are. In reality this feature would have the effect of securing our information and property. Just what do you think they'll be able to do with our fingerprint?
 
I just don't see the point of a scanner. The new iOS phone lock (requiring even after a phone restore the owner to log in with their Apple ID) is more secure than a finger print scanner. If Apple was attempting to make our iPhones our wallets as well then... ok? Businesses are equipped to deal with that yet and I'm not sure how I feel about putting everything into one device.

If the scanner is just to skip the passcode thing then woo... I'll pass, iPhone 5 forever! (Or until my contract ends...:rolleyes:)
 
I think the fingerprint scanner is stupid. What if I get kidnapped and my captors want to unlock my new 5S? All they would have to do is grab my finger and put it to the phone and boom, they now have full access to my coveted personal information. However, if I have an iPhone 5 or earlier my kidnappers will not be able to break my mental strength and get me to reveal my complex and uncrackable 4 digit password. No fingerprint scanner for me!!! :D
 
Seems like a gimmick too me. There's just so many reasons for me it doesn't make sense.

First and most obvious is Apple has never added additional software to the "S" model.

Then you have security reasons. It will need to have a fallback entry method incase the scanner isn't working. A quality sensor relies on moisture and temperature which both are highly effects by the environment. Or if someone else needs to use the phone. Or if your finger gets skinned up. Etc. it will only be as strong as the alternative means aka exactly the same.

Then you'll have people that can't use it. Government employees with certain clearances depending on whether the data is stored locally or not. Also people with big cases especially water proof cases. Since a quality scanner needs direct contact to measure temp and moisture you can pretty much rule them out.

Then you have people that don't use a lock at all. I know a lot of people that don't and have seen a lot of threads about that on here too. There's gonna need to be more then a part they don't use to make them want to upgrade.

Plus, how often have you guys said "Man! Unlocking my phone is such a chore! Of all the amazing things Apple could do I hope they make it easier to unlock!".....I see tons of threads of what people want and never once saw someone wanting a faster way to unlock.

Seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist aka a gimmick.

That's my opinion anyway. If its there its there I don't and won't care but I'd prefer anything over that. In the place the scanner hardware is fill it with a larger capacity battery. That would benefit more people then a finger print scanner IMO.
 
Seems like a gimmick too me. There's just so many reasons for me it doesn't make sense.

First and most obvious is Apple has never added additional software to the "S" model.

Then you have security reasons. It will need to have a fallback entry method incase the scanner isn't working. A quality sensor relies on moisture and temperature which both are highly effects by the environment. Or if someone else needs to use the phone. Or if your finger gets skinned up. Etc. it will only be as strong as the alternative means aka exactly the same.

Then you'll have people that can't use it. Government employees with certain clearances depending on whether the data is stored locally or not. Also people with big cases especially water proof cases. Since a quality scanner needs direct contact to measure temp and moisture you can pretty much rule them out.

Then you have people that don't use a lock at all. I know a lot of people that don't and have seen a lot of threads about that on here too. There's gonna need to be more then a part they don't use to make them want to upgrade.

Plus, how often have you guys said "Man! Unlocking my phone is such a chore! Of all the amazing things Apple could do I hope they make it easier to unlock!".....I see tons of threads of what people want and never once saw someone wanting a faster way to unlock.

Seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist aka a gimmick.

That's my opinion anyway. If its there its there I don't and won't care but I'd prefer anything over that. In the place the scanner hardware is fill it with a larger capacity battery. That would benefit more people then a finger print scanner IMO.


Couldn't have summed it up better myself. I don't see why this rumor needs to be a fingerprint scanner..couldn't it just be a way to better improve on multitouch?
 
Chop down all your fingers, throw them away and you'll be fine :).

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I think the fingerprint scanner is stupid. What if I get kidnapped and my captors want to unlock my new 5S? All they would have to do is grab my finger and put it to the phone and boom, they now have full access to my coveted personal information. However, if I have an iPhone 5 or earlier my kidnappers will not be able to break my mental strength and get me to reveal my complex and uncrackable 4 digit password. No fingerprint scanner for me!!! :D

Wow, they can just grab a gun, shove it up your ass and threaten your life if you don't tell them. Your choice.
 
Plus, how often have you guys said "Man! Unlocking my phone is such a chore! Of all the amazing things Apple could do I hope they make it easier to unlock!".....
Millions of people, myself included, say it every day! Like millions of other iPhone users, I have to type in an 8-12 digit alphanumeric password anywhere from 5 to 20 times each day. Typing in such a password every time you want to unlock your phone to check your email, calendar, contacts, etc. gets old pretty quick, believe me.

If you are a teenager or student, or use only a personal phone, you can use a 4-digit unlock code, or no unlock code. However, millions of iPhone users at corporations and government agencies don't have that option, because their employer doesn't consider such unlock codes adequate. We are forced to enter long alphanumeric passwords until someone comes up with an alternative that meets company/agency requirements for security. For these users, a simple scan to unlock is a killer feature that greatly improves usability.

I can think of no other feature that would have a greater effect on usability.

I just don't see the point of a scanner. The new iOS phone lock (requiring even after a phone restore the owner to log in with their Apple ID) is more secure than a finger print scanner. If Apple was attempting to make our iPhones our wallets as well then... ok? Businesses are equipped to deal with that yet and I'm not sure how I feel about putting everything into one device.

The typical teenager has no need for a fingerprint sensor because they have little or nothing of value worth protecting. They don't have credit card, investment, and retirement accounts. Some adults are reluctant to store such information on their current iPhone due to security concerns. Apple probably hopes that the fingerprint sensor will address some of those concerns to encourage more users to "put everything into one device," thus further tying those users to the Apple ecosystem.

Additionally, mobile payments haven't taken off in the USA because of concerns over security; a fingerprint reader, or a pin combined with a fingerprint reader, could address those concerns.

Since a quality scanner needs direct contact to measure temp and moisture you can pretty much rule them out.
Per the post above, the AuthenTec sensor requires neither.

AuthenTec's semiconductor-based sensor uses both capacitive and radio frequency (RF) technology to detect an image of the fingerprint ridge and valley pattern beneath the surface of the skin, thus capturing sharp and clear fingerprint patterns from the live layer. This approach, which is in marked contrast with optical, thermal and other solutions that simply read the surface of the skin, gives AuthenTec sensors significant advantages in image quality and in the protective coatings that the sensor can image through.
 
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I think the fingerprint scanner is stupid. What if I get kidnapped and my captors want to unlock my new 5S? All they would have to do is grab my finger and put it to the phone and boom, they now have full access to my coveted personal information. However, if I have an iPhone 5 or earlier my kidnappers will not be able to break my mental strength and get me to reveal my complex and uncrackable 4 digit password. No fingerprint scanner for me!!! :D

Oh brother. You are going to get kidnapped for your finger and iPhone ? Give us a break. Who are you anyway ?

I hope you were being sarcastic.....
 
Millions of people, myself included, say it every day! Like millions of other iPhone users, I have to type in an 8-12 digit alphanumeric password anywhere from 5 to 20 times each day. Typing in such a password every time you want to unlock your phone to check your email, calendar, contacts, etc. gets old pretty quick, believe me.

If you are a teenager or student, or use only a personal phone, you can use a 4-digit unlock code, or no unlock code. However, millions of iPhone users at corporations and government agencies don't have that option, because their employer doesn't consider such unlock codes adequate. We are forced to enter long alphanumeric passwords until someone comes up with an alternative that meets company/agency requirements for security. For these users, a simple scan to unlock is a killer feature that greatly improves usability.

I can think of no other feature that would have a greater effect on usability.



The typical teenager has no need for a fingerprint sensor because they have little or nothing of value worth protecting. They don't have credit card, investment, and retirement accounts. Some adults are reluctant to store such information on their current iPhone due to security concerns. Apple probably hopes that the fingerprint sensor will address some of those concerns to encourage more users to "put everything into one device," thus further tying those users to the Apple ecosystem.

Additionally, mobile payments haven't taken off in the USA because of concerns over security; a fingerprint reader, or a pin combined with a fingerprint reader, could address those concerns.

Per the post above, the AuthenTec sensor requires neither.

Hmm...just to point out like I mentioned I am a government contractor and use a long password (muscle memory unlocks it in about 2 seconds).

I agree with you I suppose it would be easier but also like I mentioned I can't give out my fingerprint privately. I'm sure my employer will do all the research and testing and 5 years from now decide whether its ok or not to use long after I'm working somewhere else. Lol

You bring up a good point about teenagers. Considering how large of a percent use iPhones (per Google searched demographics) it seems like marketing toward the wrong crowd.

As far as mobile payments. I doubt you'll see much growth in that until it takes off in private business. Large retail has had it for years in the States, McDonald's, 7-11, rite aid, CVS, Gap, Home Depot, Walgreens, wawa, Lowes, Old Navy, Foot Locker, etc etc etc.

There are still places that don't except certain brand credit cards (Discover, Amex) let alone a NFC or sorts.

I dunno I just don't see it happening. I very well could be wrong, and I'm ok with that. But of all the things that could really improve the user experience of an iPhone a fingerprint scanner seems low on the list.

Look at the Motorola Atrix from a couple years ago. It had a scanner, it worked well, pretty well designed location for quick/ease of use and it was dumb and a gimmick. Apple makes a more secure version? Big deal.
 
With all the security concerns as of late, I would think twice about having the device I use most throughout my day having a fingerprint scanner. Even if apple didn't sell/give away the information as they might be required to, there is always the possibility of exploits and 3rd parties gaining unauthorized access to your fingerprints. Imagine what the implications of that could be?

Even if the ip5s has a 70mp camera A9 chip and prints money, I won't be getting it if it includes a fingerprint scanner (the option to turn it off wouldn't negate the possibility it could get in the wrong hands).

Are you a criminal performing illegal activities? If not, what the hell are you worried about?! Quit living your life in paranoia...
 
Yeah we crossed the "line" awhile back, so that makes it okay to give MORE information? It's the principle of the matter, but I see you don't care. Your attitude is what is wrong with America today and our lack of privacy.

Wow man. You're saying my attitude is what is wrong with America today? You're blaming my attitude for our lack of privacy? Dramatic much?

I never said nor implied that its okay to give more. I was pointing out the silliness of taking a stand and drawing the line so far from where it would have been appropriate to draw.

I understand you and everyone else is angry about the whole invasion of privacy thing, but rudely blaming eachother and our attitudes isn't helpful at all. I'm angry about it too.

PRISM is just a symptom or manifestation of a much broader issue that goes back a long time: the Constitution doesn't at all define what privacy is. Some have read a punumbra right to privacy through the Seventh and Ninth Amendments, but it's a pretty weak-sauce arguement. Fourth Amendment doesn't really apply, because all it does is excludes evidence from a criminal trial, and it doesn't even do that all too well.

As it stands, Americans never had a right to privacy to begin with; we just enjoyed privacy as a result of a lack of technology. As soon as it was feasable, there was no Constitutional right to protect us from privacy invations by the government.

The only way to fix this is to define, in the Constitution, a right to privacy. However, seeing that Congress is currently too disfunctional to agree on what day of the week it is, I doubt that will happen anytime this century. The last time an Amendment that actually made it in was proposed was over 40 years ago. That's the longest our Constitution has gone unrevised since 1865, when there was a 60 year gap of no Amendments.

While I'm bringing up hypothetical Amendment that will never happen, I'd also like Constitutional Amendments to set term-limits for Senators and Represenatives, get rid of the electoral college, and to define what is protected speech in the context of corporations (overrule Citizen's United).

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Are you a criminal performing illegal activities? If not, what the hell are you worried about?! Quit living your life in paranoia...

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