Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

Until someone discovers an easy way to compromise fingerprint security scanners, they’ll be making their way into more and more devices that have typically required you to memorize a password or combination.

Take this run-of-the-mill safe for example. The traditional spinning combination lock or numeric keypad has been replaced with a considerably easier to use fingerprint reader. And like with any device that uses this means of security, a simple swipe of your digit will lock or unlock your valuables. Unfortunately I have no idea how many users this safe supports (probably just one), what kind of abuse it can survive (fire etc.), or how long the 4 AA batteries will remember your prints.

You can find it at Gadget Universe for $399.95 and because it weighs close to 30 lbs, you’ll have to add an extra $19.95 for shipping charges.

[ Fingerprint Safe Box ] VIA [ IT Rush ]

By Luke Anderson

So we’ve all seen those cheesy action flicks where someone needs access to a restricted area and is forced to chop off the finger of some corporate executive to do it. After all, a fingerprint reader can’t know if the finger is alive, can it? This one from Futronic can.

While they don’t go into great detail about how the technology works, they assure us that their FS88 fingerprint scanner will reject a digit that’s not attached to a living person. It also rejects popular fakes made from Play-Doh, rubber and other materials. I can’t say that I have anything so sensitive that someone would actually try cutting off my finger to get to, but it’s still pretty cool to think that it wouldn’t work. No word on pricing or availability.

[ Futronic ] VIA [ Gizmodo ]

By Luke Anderson

I’ve been wondering for some time why we use cool technologies like biometric scanning for securing digital files, yet we rarely see it for physical storage units. I no longer have to wonder, as Frontgate has cooked up a small safe that is protected with a fingerprint scanner.

The box is so secure that it is indorsed by the NRA firearms saftey intrusion program, so apparently it’s safe for holding your gun. Just reading that made me picture rolling over at night, swiping my finger and having the safe pop open so I can grab my gun and mow down a line of zombies. Yes, that was but a small peek at what goes through my mind at any given point. It rarely makes sense, but I found it relevant.

[ FrontGate ] VIA [ UberReview ]

By Andrew Liszewski

There are plenty of biometric security solutions when it comes to backing up important files or securing your computer. But the Sequiam BioBox is actually designed to protect those things that can’t be copied to a hard drive for safe keeping like cash, jewelry or important documents. The box uses a biometric fingerprint reader that can accommodate up to six different users, and while the reader is powered by 4 AA batteries (good for about 1,000 openings) the user data won’t be affected if the batteries run out.

The box itself is 10.75″ x 7.25″ x 2″ and is made of steel with a padded interior. While you’re probably not going to be able to squeeze a Picasso in there, it should accommodate other smaller items you’d hate to see go missing. And if somehow all 6 users lose their fingers in a tragic accident the box also has a backup key for circumventing the fingerprint reader.

It’s currently available from The Sharper Image for $239.95.

[ Sequiam BioBox ] VIA [ The Green Head ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Unless you work in an acid factory with the constant fear of losing your fingerprints this biometric deadbolt is a convenient alternative to a keyed lock. On the back of the curved metal protrusion you’ll find the sensor which will match a swiped fingerprint and unlock the bolt in less than a second.

On the inside of the door you’ll find the control center which is a bit on the bulky side but allows you to register and manage up to 50 different users. There’s also a standard locking knob mounted just below the keypad for inside use. While the BioLock does require 4 AA batteries to operate that should give you a year’s worth of service before they need replacing. And if they do happen to run out the fingerprint memory is preserved and you can still open the deadbolt using the included emergency override keys.

It’s currently available from GoKeyless for $229.

[ BioLock Deadbolt ] VIA [ Home Improvement Ideas ]