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You're being disingenuous, Apple buying AuthenTec prevented the N6 from having a fingerprint reader but not for the reasons you're implying (ie. patents). It pr
by aroch 12y ago
You're being disingenuous, Apple buying AuthenTec prevented the N6 from having a fingerprint reader but not for the reasons you're implying (ie. patents). It prevented the wished design for the reader (touch instead of swipe) on the back dimple but the N6 could still have had a fingerprint reader. AuthenTec does not have patents that would prevent other companies from making touch-based readers they were just first to market, in fact there are currently devices that have similar sensors (Huawei Mate being one of those: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/huawei-ascend-mate-7-fingerprint-reader/ http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/huawei-ascend-mate-7-fing...)
In anycase, Apple has put out specs for a handful of standards and freely licensing the IP for them. It is in Apple's benefit to make open standards that become adopted by everyone else. They get the market leader hype + guaranteed accessory market and, in some cases, royalties.
- JohnTHaller 12y agoRight, Apple bought them so no one else could do the same type of touch fingerprint reader. Having to instead rely on the older swipe style which doesn't work as well.
- maxerickson 12y agodisingenuous usually implies intent, it's not a great word choice where you aren't certain of that (I think on discussion boards being misinformed is at least as common as attempting to mislead).