We learned last month that Apple bought AuthenTec, a company specializing in network and mobile security, for $ 356 million. Yesterday, a preliminary search statement was released that revealed some of Apple's plans for the newly acquired company.
In addition to the acquisition itself, Apple offered $ 20 million for the company's intellectual property, allowing full use of its patents.
The intellectual property agreement provides Apple with the right to acquire non-exclusive licenses and other rights with respect to hardware technologies, software technologies and the company's patents for the marketing of 2D fingerprint sensors, for use in Apple products.
The speed with which Apple is looking to finalize the acquisition, which still needs to be approved by AuthenTec investors, indicates that the incorporation of fingerprint sensors in future is very likely iProducts.
In May, AuthenTec announced a sensor designed specifically to authenticate transactions via NFC (Near Field Communication) on mobile devices. At just 1.3mm thick, the sensor could easily be incorporated into new Apple devices.
(via TNW)
