Gizmodo has recently blogged an
entry on the use of biometric capable cell phones in Asia.
Apparently some cell phones in Asia have a sensor under the '0' key that will read fingerprint data. The phone itself gives the user the ability to assign phone numbers to each of their
fingers, thus creating a sort of 'biometric speed-dial'.
I predict that this phone will be a flop with Yakusa enemies since they tend to lose fingers at an alarming rate.
I'm hoping that this is more of a proof-of-concept thing rather than a final product. I can't see any real advantage between pressing a button or swiping a finger to activate a speed-dial other than some added security. Since the number is associated to a particular finger then it would be somewhat difficult for someone without that finger to initiate the speed-dial. However, in Canada anyhow, I don't think we have a big problem with people making unauthorized phone calls to our speed-dial list. It's much more likely that the phone will either be cloned or just stolen outright.
The Chicago Tribune article that Gizmodo links to has a paragraph that very vaguely explains how the biometric cell-phone can also be used as a
payment system. The user can 'aim the phone at a cash register's wireless transceiver, which connects to the phone owner's bank account -- touching the sensor on the phone authenticates the purchase, and money is automatically deducted.'
Great. Yet another competing micropayment system. How long until we have a standard micropayment system??
In summary - it seems that a lot of vendors are inventing products that attempt to use biometrics as a product, rather than the provider of security for a product. This is sure to fail. Some Canadian airports have biometric retina scanners in place to authenticate their employees rather than traditional swipe cards. This is an example of an effective use of biometrics: provision of security to an already existing product (the locked door). Products like biometric speed-dial cell phones simply try to sell the biometric technology for the technology's sake, rather than offering any actual advantage or added functionality. The early-adopters may buy in just because it's 'neato', but the mainstream market won't bite until there is an actual product behind finger and eye scanning.
Finally, it's important to note that the word biometrics doesn't necessarily mean 'scanning'. Fingerprinting is a form of biometrics that's been in use for a long time. However, I'm always surprised how the security conscious industries, like the Canadian airport authorities, jump on the scanning biometric bus without any substantial proof of how reliable the process of scanning is.
Fingerprints were first introduced to the western world in 1684, but did not develop into wide use until somewhere around the 1880's. The process of using scanners to record biometric data is arguably only about 10 years old at most, and many sensitive companies are already entrusting their security to them. How easy is it to trip up a biometric scanner? I think we'll find out in the reasonably near future.
Currently listening to: Cages rattling
Currently reading: The Two Towers
Currently watching: My screen
Currently feeling: thoughtful
