Do we really need fingerprint scanners on our smartphones? You can hide messages from the government if used right! According to a few case manufacturers we do. Back in the day Motorola released the original Atrix with a fingerprint scanner, and that was the end of that. However, we’re now seeing a few case manufacturers push towards “the ultimate in security” for our devices too.
The image above, provided by CNET Asia, is of a new case from FingerQ, which will protect all the data inside the phone it’s covering. They have multiple different designs and each case comes with a biometric fingerprint sensors on board, as well as a USB port for charging.
It won’t replace those standard unlock pin features on Android, so don’t expect this to lock your phone in that regard. Instead, it adds a complete second layer of protection for emails, messages, and even applications. The case shown above is called the PrivacQ Case, and will be available on the Galaxy S4, GS3, Note II, HTC One and others.
By default you won’t be securing your emails or text messaging apps, but they have that as an option. Instead the main focus is their own FingerQ app for sending secure messaging and pictures that are safely encrypted. So just like iMessage, no one (like the NSA) can snoop in on what’s being sent. For those who aren’t fans of the latest PRISM news, this could be something worth looking at. The cases will retail between $40 and $60 according to reports, and come in a variety of colors.
Would you want a case that requires you to scan your fingerprints every time you try to open the browser, or read an email? Let us know.
VIA: AndroidAuthority
it’d be cool if it could tie into purchases, signing into apps or locking specific apps.