Pantech Unveils Fingerprint Recognition phone

August 2, 2004

Pantech, Korea's third largest handset maker with its affiliate Curitel Communications Inc., announced Friday it will launch the world's first 'Fingerprint Recognition Phone (model name: Pantech GI100)' in Europe, Asia, and Middle East market.

Fingerprints are used for lock-in keys, memory dials, and games, the company said. The new technology is the fruits of both applied ergonomics and state-of-the-art digital technology, Pantech added.

The GI100 weighs 82g with snugly dimensions (82x40x22.5 mm). Both 1.8" main LCD and 1.2" sub LCD provide enhanced pictures with 260K TFT. Built-in 1.3 megapixel CMOS type camera module with embedded flash can not only capture 15 frame shots, but record up to 30 minutes. Usage time allows 3 hours of talk and 200 hours of standby. The GI100 has 256MB flash memory and supports 64 polyphonic ring tones.

Pantech emphasized user can control the personalized key entries with its fingerprint recognition technology. Secret Finger Dial allows total of ten memorized calls. Once registered, each of user's fingerprints can be used for a quick dialing. Further, by sweeping fingerprints instead of pushing in keys, user can enjoy games like car racing, slot machine and match making.