Next Biometrics to integrate fingerprint sensors into iWallet products, receives U.S. order

Next Biometrics Group ASA has partnered with iWallet Corporation to incorporate Next Biometrics’ fingerprint imaging sensor modules into iWallet’s portfolio of products, which feature its patented BIO-BLU Biometric Bluetooth smart locking technology.

Next’s fingerprint sensors will be integrated into iWallet’s biometric products – designed to protect credit cards, jewelry, prescription medications and other valuables – which can be purchased through its retail division and strategic licensing agreements.

“Next Biometrics is leading the market with the preeminent and most cost-effective global fingerprint sensors available today. This alliance presents a unique opportunity to combine Next’s fingerprint sensor with our retail and licensing expertise, leveraging our robust and exclusive portfolio of design and utility patents,” said Jack Chadsey, CEO of iWallet Corporation. “We have committed to purchase a minimum of 10,000 Next NB-2020S sensors over the next twelve months, though based upon the early interest from major manufacturers in licensing iWallet’s patented BIO-BLU technology, we wouldn’t be surprised to see that number increase 5-10 times.”

iWallet’s BIO-BLU improves the overall user authentication experience by combining simplicity and efficiency to create a product that can be accessed without a PIN or password.

As a result, customers are to access any of their Bluetooth-connected devices via a secure biometric fingerprint sensor.

In a separate announcement, Next Biometrics Group ASA received an initial order for 5,000 fingerprint sensors from an undisclosed U.S. manufacturer developing new category sensor products based on Next-enabled segments.
The contract is expected to last several years, with an estimated volume order of 100,000 sensors per year.

“The orders from top tier clients in the U.S. reflect the market’s growing acceptance of Next technology resulting in excellent fingerprint sensor devices at a fraction of the price competitors would charge,” said Tore Etholm-Idsoe, CEO of Next Biometrics.

The order comes a week after Next received a $100,000 order for its NB-3010 fingerprint sensor modual device, which will be delivered in the third and fourth quarters of 2015.

Nicknamed “The Oyster,” the turnkey solution is designed for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 and is compliant with and certified by Microsoft for Windows Biometric Framework, with support for other operating systems available on request, Etholm-Idsoe said.

Article Topics

access management  |  authentication  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Next Biometrics