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Not sure if the TouchID sensor can already be used for this, but a recently filed (late 2013) application, suggests they intend on going further than just using it to sense fingerprints. I think the figures below are pretty self explanatory.
Does this mean they can extend its usage even further, allowing it to be used as a full on trackpad (for text selection, etc)?
Attachment 253898
Posted via CB10
How does Blackberry not have the patent for this. What they seem to be describing really sounds and looks like what BlackBerry has been offering for years with the trackpad.
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They might be able to do something with this (not sure about full-on trackpad usage), but BlackBerry has a patent of their own for a trackpad with an integrated fingerprint sensor, so they really don't have much to worry about.
BlackBerry's trackpads can detect axial movement as shown in the first set of figures?
Posted via CB10
Has this patent been approved?
Hasn't even been classified yet.
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry does have a patent.
Posted via CB10
My old Toshiba Portege phone (Windows) had the fingerprint sensor move the cursor, if that's what this does.
Posted via CB10 on a Z10
I guess in this case it is slightly more restricted to these types of unlocking abstractions. As you pointed out there is plenty of art in fingerprint processing area, so it will be interesting to see what pans out of this.
As far as I know, the axial-rotation tracking based "combination-lock" unlocking scheme isn't currently available so at worst we should see it as a "first to market" feature even if it isn't restricted to iOS in the long run.
Posted via CB10
This is actually pretty sweet tho!
Maybe they could work on it and make it an actual trackpad someday
Posted via CB10
Thats stupid for me. Lol... a phone doesn't really need a lock if you really take care of everything in it.
Posted via CB10
If someone steals your phone then they have access to your email accounts, social networks, messaging history, phone contacts, saved cookies on websites you might frequent (banking, amazon or even a pizza ordering site).
Even if you don't care about your own data and/or money being compromised, do it for your contacts' data... I know it won't keep out super villains and the almighty NSA out, but if it stops a street thief from calling up your family and asking for money, then why not?
Posted via CB10
Say that again once you get your phone stolen..
Posted via CB10
