Apple was just granted a patent for technology that could lead to a fancy new biometric unlocking mechanism on future products. The technology could also be used to implement new security features for ecommerce. The patent comes just a few months after Apple bought security technology company AuthenTec for $US356 million.
According to Patently Apple, the patent calls for a hidden biomentric scanner that can hide behind a screen on your iPhone or iPad. As described, the sensor could suddenly become visible when active or remain invisible. In one application, the sensor could be used as a fingerprint reader to add a second step of authentication during slide-to-unlock. It could also be used to recognise your face or eye for added security when you’re completing purchases.
Neither of these applications is especially new — what’s interesting is Apple’s seamless integration whereby the technology is hidden from you altogether. [Patently Apple via 9to5Mac]