[March 27, 2007] JRC Features AuthenTec Biometric Fingerprint Sensor in New Mobile Phone for WILLCOM Subscribers in Japan Tweet MELBOURNE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- AuthenTec, the world leader in fingerprint sensor security, innovation and sales, announced today that its AES1510 fingerprint sensor has been selected by JRC (Japan Radio Company) for its newest mobile phone introduction, the WX321J for WILLCOM. This introduction represents the first JRC Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) phone to integrate an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor for personal data security, and the first candy-bar style phone to use an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor as an input device for menu navigation and mobile Web browsing. The phone is exclusively available to subscribers of Willcom, a leading provider of voice and data services in Japan. "JRC is pleased to bring AuthenTec's Power of Touch benefits to WILLCOM subscribers across Japan who are now able to access a range of critical functions, such as easy navigation and securing sensitive information, with the swipe of a finger," said Toshio Iijima, Manager of the PHS Group, Mobile Business Unit in the Communications Equipment Division at JRC. The WX321J, which is being marketed by WILLCOM, was recently released for the Japanese market and has already received enthusiastic consumer interest. The AES1510 sensor is seamlessly integrated onto the surface of this sleek "candy-bar" style phone so that users can smoothly and accurately browse through phone menus and lengthy contact lists. The AES1510 is expressly designed to endure normal wear and tear associated with this exposed configuration, including minor bumps and scratches that are commonly caused by coins, keys and other objects. AuthenTec's sensor also provides unparalleled security features. Based on AuthenTec's patented TruePrint(R) technology, the only solution in production that reads below the surface of the skin to a person's live or true fingerprint, the AES1510 conveniently protects access to personal information stored on the phone by requiring only a simple swipe of a finger to authorize access. TruePrint technology enables reliable reading of the fingerprint regardless of the condition of the outer surface of the skin. "The launch of the JRC phone represents a prime opportunity for WILLCOM subscribers to harness the convenient and reliable touch-powered functionality that AuthenTec's biometric technology provides," said James Yeh, Director of Asia marketing at AuthenTec. "The use of biometrics in wireless handsets continues to grow with millions of biometric phones now in everyday use. We are very pleased that WILLCOM is now one of three carriers in Japan currently offering AuthenTec TruePrint technology in mobile phones." Biometric cell phones are widely used in Asia for M-commerce, online banking and for securing the device in the event of loss or theft. For instance, in Japan, users can purchase items from more than 100,000 stores and vending machines and enjoy convenient and secure access to mass transit and sporting events. AuthenTec's sensors are used in more than 95 percent of all fingerprint biometric cell phone models available worldwide. WX321J is available only for purchase in Japan, the phone is also capable of roaming to Taiwan and Thailand. About AuthenTec With more than 15 million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in providing fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions to the high-volume PC, wireless device, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch(R) by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint(R) technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication. The company's customers include: ASUSTek, Fujitsu, HP, Hitachi, HTC, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Samsung, and Toshiba, among others. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]