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Fingerprint authentication systems have become increasingly popular over the past few years, as they provide users with an enhanced feeling of security (although this is generally just an illusion) about the devices protected in this manner. And the latest company to launch such a product is Medion,
who has just announced the availability of their new GoPal P4425 PND, which the company claims to be the world's first GPS navigator that comes packed with a built-in fingerprint reader.
One of the reasons behind the development of such an ultra-secure PND is that GPS devices are the most commonly stolen items in automobiles today, according to reports coming from several European and U.S. cities. Furthermore, many car insurance policies do not cover the cost of stolen personal possessions including PNDs, which means that once it's stolen, the owner has no means of getting the device back.
"Our goal was to create a feature-rich, portable PND which uses the best technologies and security features available today," commented Mark Jendrzok, MEDION AG's Director of Product Management, Mobile Computing, on the subject. "We are pleased to add AuthenTec's TruePrint fingerprint sensor technology, which replaces passwords and PINs with a simple swipe of a finger, bringing convenient security to owners of this innovative new navigation system."
Obviously, the main selling point of the new GoPal P4425 PND is represented by AuthenTec's AES1510 slide fingerprint sensor, which ensures the fact that only the authorized users (up to 5) can activate the device. AuthenTec fingerprint sensor is based on the company's TruePrint technology, a solution that reads below the surface of the skin to the live layer, where a person's true fingerprint resides. This unique subsurface approach enables AuthenTec sensors to provide very accurate scans, with a very high acceptance rate.
"Longtime AuthenTec customer MEDION continues to recognize the value that fingerprint sensors bring to consumer electronics, and we are proud to be part of MEDION's first-of-a-kind, fingerprint-enabled GPS system," said Marc Gebert, AuthenTec's Director of European Marketing and Sales. "By utilizing our TruePrint enabled fingerprint sensor, users of this new and innovative PND from MEDION can now be assured that their security and privacy are protected. This exciting new product demonstrates another unique application of AuthenTec's fingerprint sensors."
Beside the aforementioned fingerprint reader, the device also features GPS satellite and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free use, voice recognition and text-to-speech capability for detailed voice instructions, an RDS-TMC receiver for live traffic updates, and an FM transmitter that enables voice guidance via the vehicle's sound system. Moreover, it has also been equipped with a 4.3-inch TFT touch screen display, a SiRF Atlas III multimedia processor for playback of MP3 files, videos and digital photos, as well as a speed advisor and lane assistant.
Unfortunately, there's no word on this thing's pricing, but it seems that it will be available solely on certain European markets for now, the German Medion website being the only one that actually lists it.
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