14 DAY TRIAL // AuthenTec, a leading provider of fingerprint sensors and solutions, announced today the first fingerprint-enabled waterproof cell phone offered by NTT DOCOMO, the Fujitsu F-01A. The handset comes with a wide range of features as well as with a fingerprint sensor powered by AuthenTec’s revolutionary new TouchStone packaging.
In addition, the new Fujitsu F-01A also sports easy-to-use security capabilities and the company’s TrueNav technology, which offers touchpad-like navigational control via its AES1711 fingerprint sensor. The device is AuthenTec’s 17th phone that includes the security features provided by its fingerprint sensor, while also being the second Fujitsu handset to sport AuthenTec’s TrueNav user navigation capability.
The F-01A runs on a Symbian operating system, and it comes with a 3.5-inch widescreen VGA touchscreen display, a 5.2-megapixel camera that sports autofocus, along with built-in GPS based on Mobile Google Maps with Street View, e-Wallet mobile payment capability, and a 1Seg mobile TV tuner.
“We’re pleased to now offer this unique waterproof mobile phone which combines next generation, all-inclusive entertainment with the convenient security of an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor in the new docomo PRIME series phone,” said Katsumi Takada, general manager for the Mobile Phone Group of Fujitsu Limited. “Users of the new F-01A not only enjoy the peace of mind offered by its waterproof capability but also by the integrated fingerprint security which helps protect its stored files and personal information.”
AuthenTec’s TouchStone packaging technology is being used for the first time in the world with the new Fujitsu F-01A. The company announced that it planned to deliver smaller form factors and multiple color variations with future TouchStone packages. The technology comes in a thin, durable, easy to integrate, waterproof and surface-mountable packaging based on AuthenTec’s patented TruePrint technology. TouchStone is able to enhance the aesthetic and product integration options for cell phones, laptop computers, and other consumer electronics.
“Thanks to a collaborative effort with longtime partner Fujitsu, we were able to utilize our new TouchStone packaging technology in a first-of-a-kind phone that we believe will help create a new segment of highly convenient and secure waterproof cell phones,” said Art Stewart, AuthenTec vice president of Wireless Products. “The smooth and conformal TouchStone packaging will enable a new user experience for the AuthenTec fingerprint sensor. When combined with our TrueNav navigational capability, the sensor’s features and functions are enhanced by offering F-01A users very fluid, touchpad-like navigation.”
Besides the security features, the new Fujitsu F-01A comes with waterproof features that allow it to be immersed in water or exposed to moisture. The new mobile phone meets IPX5 and IPX7 specifications, and it can be kept one meter underwater for about 30 minutes. More durability and water resistance is offered through AuthenTec’s TouchStone package, which allows for various waterproof industrial design configurations to be easily integrated.
The AES1711 sensor comes in a small form factor with low-power requirements. It has been built around AuthenTec's TruePrint technology and combines the company's TrueFinger anti-spoofing security and the TrueNav menu navigation features, as well as the TrueMatch pattern matching, all meant to deliver the highest level of security, usability and convenience in the industry.