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September 22, 2007

Biometric-Enabled GPS Spotted In The Wild

Medion GPS with Fingerprint Reader

The next big feature for portable GPS devices just might be the inclusion of biometrics. Medion is already busting out the P425 AIO in Europe, which includes an integrated fingerprint reader. According to sources, the fingerprint reader will be used both to deter theft, and allow individual user profiles based on the fingerprint scan.

GPS manufacturers are always looking for ways to differentiate their products from the already crowded GPS market. SiRF, real-time traffic, and wide-screen displays are almost standard issue today. Look for fingerprint (and other biometrics) to start appearing on these pricey, theft-prone, devices soon.

Sure, biometrics sound like a good idea, but it remains to be seen whether the average thief will be deterred by a fingerprint reader (or even realize the device has one).

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