PC fingerprint scanners 'come of age'

The incorporation of fingerprint scanners into devices such as mobile phones or PCs is set to become commonplace, industry watchers predicted today.

According to a newly published report from Frost & Sullivan, revenues for silicon-based fingerprint scanners totalled $40.7m in 2004, but will soar to $1875.6m in 2011.

The analyst firm's study, World Silicon Chip Fingerprint Market, expects major growth for the technology integrated in mobile phones, laptops and notebooks: "Overall, the most dynamic growth activity is expected in the cell phone and the portable PC market, specifically the notebook market," said Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Sapna Capoor.

The report noted that there has been a rise in demand for fingerprint-enabled mobile phones in South East Asia, since 2004. The success in Japan and South Korea encourages wireless operators and mobile phone manufacturers in North America and Europe to adopt fingerprint-enabled cell phones.

Additionally the study found that silicon fingerprint sensors are making strong in-roads into network security applications, in particular demand for fingerprint-enabled laptops, and notebooks are on the rise since Q4 2004.

"Increasingly, leading fingerprint sensor manufacturers are focusing on swipe sensors as their core strategy," said Capoor.

"Lower price points without compromising significantly on quality and performance levels will result in swipe sensors being integrated in cell phones, laptops and notebooks throughout the forecast period.