The most exciting feature of the new iPhone 5s is undoubtedly its Touch ID system which will enable users to secure their devices using fingerprint recognition technology. And while the feature may be most appealing to business users, it can also proves handy in parents’ effort to monitor and control their kids’ web use.
This week, at a press conference Apple announced iPhone 5s, the latest and most remarkable iPhone so far, as well as the not so low-cost iPhone 5c which is considered to be targeted towards developing economies. The other big news for tech fans is the arrival of the new iOS 7 which will be available from September 18 as a free update.
The high-end iPhone 5s comes in champagne-gold, silver and black with storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. It is the first 64-bit mobile phone hitting the market and has an improved battery life, a better 8 megapixel camera and pre-installed iOS 7. But its most interesting feature is the introduction of biometric technology, which software security pros already hailed as innovative and amazing. Apple’s new function, called Touch ID, includes a stainless steel “detection ring” reading fingerprints at 360 degrees and at a resolution of 500 pixels per inch. All you need to do is place your thumb down on the home button to unlock the phone. And it can be also used to secure your iTunes purchases and set it up so it can reads multiple fingerprints. This means that multiple users will be able to use the device, creating multiple accounts with different privileges.
Parents often use smartphones and tablets to keep children occupied and entertained. And while apps and games can be very entertaining, it has been shown that kids are usually just a few clicks away from content inappropriate for them. This also includes in-app purchases which can surprise their parents in unpleasant way. But by using Touch ID will able to set up different accounts for themselves, their teens and their younger ones, for instance. Parents’ personal and work content and accounts will be separate from the kids’ “guest” option. This way, you won’t have to worry whether your 5-year-old browses through the web or social media networks. Only you will have that access. Of course, we will all be able to see if these options actually work as soon as iPhone 5s becomes available for purchase in stores on September 20.
For parents who worry their children’s fingerprints could be stolen or hacked, Apple explained that the data from the fingers won’t be stored on servers. The encrypted partial images of fingerprints will be stored exclusively on the sophisticated chip which powers the smartphone. So, it looks that mobile devices may actually become more secure than desktop computers. Of course, the Touch ID system is not flawless, as it finds difficulties to recognize a fingerprint when your hands are wet or dirty. But according to Apple’s experts, the reading technology improves with every use.
