Synaptics releases SecurePad – Touchpad with Fingerprint scanner for laptops

Let’s face it, a few years ago, some business Laptops came equipped with a fingerprint sensor, I remember having played with one of those readers and try to trick those machines hoping they would mistakenly allow me to log-in, impressed with the level of security and the though of convenience that it might bring, I’ve then swear to myself to get one of those when I can already afford. Years past, still I’m hooked up with manually typing the password thing until recently when Apple brought the fingerprint scanning technology into the technology mainstream when it released iPhone 5S. Now more and more device manufacturers are getting into the bandwagon of fingerprint readers embedded unto their devices.

Just right in the middle of the hype, Leading touchpad manufacturer for laptop and similar devices Synaptics announces the SecurePad – a new type of touchpad with a fingerprint scanner built-in on the upper left hand corner. Unlike the fingerprint scanner years ago where users used to swipe their finger over the scanner module, the new fingerprint scanner for the SecurePad uses capacitive touch technology and works similarly from those found in smartphones and tablets.

The usefulness of a fingerprint scanner is currently limited to logging-in, online payments and identity confirmation but that could soon be elevated with more functionality and features as FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance which Synaptics was a member has just released its version 1.0 of its fingerprint authentication standards. The FIDO alliance is backed by big names in the industry namely; Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Lenovo, Dell and NetFlix along with major companies in virtual payment Mastercard, Visa, Bank of America and Paypal to provide a more secure payment system online.

Synaptics has already released the SecurePad sensor for hardware manufacturers and is expected to have the technology available to consumers pretty soon. Analysts are also expecting Synaptics and OEM’s to showcase SecurePad equipped devices on CES which will take place early next month.