The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds

World's first biometric, waterproof mobile surfaces

A secure phone fit for the pool?

Cloud based data management

Pin numbers are generally about as secure as most mobile phones get. But Fujitsu has launched what it claims is the world’s first waterproof handset with an embedded biometric sensor.

Fujitsu_F01A

Fujitsu's F-01A: waterproof and secure

Although not the world’s first phone with a biometric reader – Fujitsu already has 16 others, apparently – the F-01A’s combined waterproofing means that your data’s secure whether you drop the talker into a river or the hands of a mugger.

That’s provided the phone doesn’t fall further than a metre and is plucked out of water within 30 minutes.

As for its features, the Symbian-based F-01A supports e-Wallet transactions. This’ll let you use it like a debit card, so the biometric reader’s definitely a wise choice on Fujitsu’s part. The phone’s touchscreen measures 3.5in, and a 5.2Mp camera is on board too.

You’ll be able to pick-up 1Seg telly broadcasts through the integrated tuner, but since 1Seg is a Japan-only service it’s reasonable to assume that it’ll be some time before the F-01A makes it to Blighty, if at all. ®

Regcast training : Hyper-V 3.0, VM high availability and disaster recovery

More from The Register

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
Microsoft lures buy-curious vixens, corduroys with a cheap fondle
Surface slab sales latest: Will no one rid Ballmer of these turbulent tabs?
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?