Synaptics makes the touchpads that are used on millions of laptops and in recent years the company has added new features such as support for multitouch gestures and pressure-sensitive “force” detection.
Now Synaptics is introducing a new touchpad that could bring enhanced security to your next laptop.
The Synaptics SecurePad puts a fingerprint reader right into the touchpad.
Not only can you use the SecurePad to unlock your computer, but it’s a FIDO-ready device, which means you can use your fingerprint instead of a password with a number of sites and services.
Basically it’ll let you use your laptop touchpad the same way you can use the fingerprint sensor on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S5, or other smartphone or tablet with a fingerprint sensor.
Biometric sensors have been available on business-friendly laptops for years. But the SecurePad allows laptop makers to include fingerprint sensors without a separate piece of hardware (and connectors and case cut-outs), making it cheaper and easier to include the sensor.
Synaptics will offer SecurePad features in a variety of its touchpads including ClickPad and ForecPad models in a range of sizes. There’s an optional LED that will provide visual confirmation to let you know when your fingerprint has been read. And the
I’m more excited that they’re bringing back touchpad buttons!