Biometrics

NXP Semiconductors announces thinner smart card chips for ePassports
Formerly Philips Semiconductors, the Dutch company decreases the size of its own chips by 20 percent to 75 micrometers; ePassports are expected to last ten years, so decreasing the size of electronic components makes room for protective features
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GSA decides not to pursue BearingPoint's HSPD-12 option years
Decision comes just two months after signing of $104 million contract; GSA prompted by increased maturity of the market and belief it could get a better price by resoliciting bids; quality not at issue; BearingPoint will compete for new terms
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Stanley to provide passport services to State Department
Ten-year, $164 million deal allows Stanley to open up two new processing centers; agreement comes on the heels of a succesful IPO; company will also expand workforce by 150; passport demand expected to heat up as new travel restrictions come on line
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EU considers "deep background checks" for Registered Traveler program
Responding to concerns about racial profiling, EU may instead develop a large-scale network linking criminal and civil data bases; a final report is not due until June, but in the meantime EU planners will move ahead with plans; privacy concerns remain an unsurmounted obstacle
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Gemalto sales dip, but ePassport unit is stronger than ever
Falling prices in SIM cards depress overall revenue, but ePassport rollouts in Poland and France boost ID & Security unit by 19 percent; company is well on its way to total European market dominance
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Avenue Capital Management invests in Smartrac
Smartrac, leader in chip and antenna inlays for ePassports, has seen earnings triple since 2005; Avenue Capital buys 6 percent of company on open market, a clear sign of the strength of the market; worldwide demand estimated at 50 million
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Agent Video update
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Vidient's SmartCatch video analytics software wins Lenel certification
Lenel will now offer SmartCatch to customers interested in video analytics; deal provides further evidences of SmartCatch’s ability to integrate seamlessly
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Unisys said to win biometric kiosk deal with Australian Customs
Rumors in Sydney say Unisys has won out over Sagem Morpho, Biometrics Technologies, and others; company will install self-service kiosks at Auckland International Airport; deal may have derived from earlier success with immigration detention centers
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The Netherlands selects ePassport authentication system from 3M
The use of biometrics for identifying people is gaining ground by the day; the Netherlands has just selected ePassport readers from 3M to verify the identity of the more than 40 million travelers who pass through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport each year; the government will place the readers at other border crossings as well
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Scottish school uses palm reading biometrics in cafeteria
In the first implementation of palm reading biometrics in Europe, a primary school in Scotland installs palm readers to facilitate a secure non-token, or cashless, payment system in its cafeteria; the technology may eventually be used to provide biometric access control, monitor truancy levels, keep an eye on class attendance, and provide for time management of staff
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New video analytic software can detect violent behavior
University of Texas scientists make a leap with software trained to distinguish between a hug and a push, or a handshake and a knifing; system is so far 80 percent accurate, and commercial applications could be available within a year; some see future in smart television searches, too
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FaceKey files patent extension for combination biometrics
Breakthrough attempts to leverage the speed of facial recognition with the accuracy of fingerprint scanning; company is mum on applications beyond access control; investors and integrators should give this modest and quietly ambitious company a look
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British national ID card program struggles to get off the ground
Despite £46.4 million in outlays to date, the Home Office is still uncertain about whether to create a new database or rely on old ones; Rollout is scheduled for 2008, but dithering may discourage firms from getting involved
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Biometrics remain a sticking point for U.K. ID plans
Officials say more tests are needed to ensure usability; U.S. VISIT programs acts as a model of what not to do; with every British citizen requiring a new ID, ease of enrollment is a critical factor
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