Hi Top
I was surprised to see your reply. After reading your reply, I do not understand your intent. I still have no idea how you came to the conclusion that AUTH used BKYI software/algorithms in their products. AUTH offered their hardware solutions to many VAR’s and OEM’s.
Curious that you mention the 2011 CTIA exposition. BKYI and AUTH issued a joint PR announcing BKYI’s FMID devices incorporating AUTH sensors prior to the exposition. Trouble was, BKYI’s device was dependent on the S.I.C./BKYI merger. The merger did not happen and BKYI’s FMID device was a no-show at the exposition. Another BKYI misfire was finally announcing the availability of Web-key software for the Motorola Atrix smartphone. That same week, Motorola announced the Atrix II to replace the original Atrix. However, the Atrix II did not include a fingerprint reader. How did BKYI’s biometric industry leaders not see that coming?
“A few weeks after the CTIA BIO-key canceled their merger with S.I.C. Biometrics.”
Actually, the merger was canceled prior to CTIA. BKYI’s FMID device was a no-show at CTIA, an embarrassment to AUTH which obviously would not have participated in a joint PR had they known BKYI’s showing up with a real device was tentative. MD spin was that DD indicated that users wanted integrated FP readers, not external FP readers such as offered by S.I.C. Biometrics. Why months into the merger, which MD claimed only some minor administrative details remained, would BKYI come up with this eleventh hour DD? Simple, the “remaining minor administration detail” was finalizing the financing. It was the financier’s DD that nixed the deal. In hindsight, it was good that the S.I.C. deal did not go thru. The financier’s DD was correct and the market for external FP readers for mobile devices never materialized. Although MD claimed that S.I.C. and BKYI would remain active partners, with BKYI being a S.I.C. reseller, there is no indication that BKYI ever sold a single S.I.C. FP reader.
“A few months after that BIO-key appeared on Apple's iTunes web page.”
Yep. It is still there. To use this free app, you simply need an iPhone 4 (it is not combatable with iPhone 5 or later), a $400+ external FP reader sleeve, and a BKYI Web-key server. I’m surprised that Apple’s app store servers can keep up with the downloads LOL.
“A few weeks after that the Sacramento City Clerks Office announced they were going to test using Apple iPhones.”
How did that test go? How much did BKYI invest in this pilot? Since this system is not compatible with iPhone 5’s or later, it is a safe assumption this pilot died.
“A few months after that Apple buys AuthenTec.”
And your point is?
Funny that after the S.I.C. deal was nixed believing users do not want external FP readers, BKYI is once again going into the external FP reader market. According to MD, these readers can be carried in a pocket on on a lanyard. Come on, give me a break. I thought the advantage of fingerprints was you could not leave it at home.
