SAN JOSE, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptics, a leader in touch pads and other human interface solutions for mobile computing and communications devices, today announced the introduction of its Fingerprint TouchPad product, which is currently available for integration into notebook PCs. The module combines Synaptics' leading TouchPad interface device with the AuthenTec EntrePad(TM) AES3500 fingerprint sensor. The Fingerprint TouchPad module is bundled with customized Softex OmniPass application software and Softex OmniROM Preboot Authorization, offering notebook OEMs a complete integrated biometric security solution. "As mobile devices become smaller, they increasingly become targets for theft and unauthorized access," explains Synaptics General Manager of PC Products, Don Kirby. "Synaptics Fingerprint TouchPad offers an advanced biometric solution that replaces the need for passwords with the user's fingerprint, ultimately making computing easier and more secure."

The Synaptics Fingerprint TouchPad module offers unique software features such as the Omnipass Identity Management and the exclusive Single Touch Preboot Authorization to ensure both security and convenience. Preboot Authorization requires user identification before the operating system loads, preventing unauthorized access to both the hard drive and data, while the Omnipass Identity Management software manages passwords and identities. In addition, the OmniPass Enrollment Wizard, custom developed for Synaptics, guides users through the enrollment process. Designed for novice users, the Wizard ensures that anyone will be able to use this solution without a learning curve. In just four simple steps, users will be able to enroll for both BIOS and Windows access. Once the enrollment is complete, a user simply needs to place the enrolled finger on the fingerprint sensor once to complete the authentication process and proceed directly to the operating system.

As the only integrated Fingerprint TouchPad solution that comes complete with both hardware and software, the Fingerprint TouchPad makes the integration process simple for notebook OEMs. In addition, the unique modular design was developed to offer OEM customers maximum design flexibility by allowing OEMs and ODMs to offer both a biometric and non-biometric option without changes to the notebook's mechanical design. The Synaptics Fingerprint TouchPad is currently available for qualification by notebook OEMs.

About Synaptics Incorporated

Synaptics develops advanced interface solutions for products as diverse as notebook and desktop computers, mobile computing and communications devices, automotive applications and security solutions. Synaptics products include:

• TouchPad(TM), the industry standard notebook pointing device; ClearPad(TM), a capacitive touch screen solution; TouchStyk(TM), a modular capacitive pointing stick solution;
• Spiral^®, an inductive, proximity sensing pen input system;
• cPad(TM), an LCD TouchPad;
• TouchScreen, a capacitive touch solution for large displays;
• and QuickStroke^®, a proprietary Chinese handwriting recognition software.

More information about Synaptics can be found on the World Wide Web at www.synaptics.com.

About AuthenTec

AuthenTec is a leading semiconductor company providing advanced biometric fingerprint sensors to the PC, wireless, PDA, access control and automotive markets. AuthenTec's FingerLoc and EntrePad product families utilize the Company's patented TruePrint(TM) technology, the first technology capable of imaging everyone under virtually any condition. TruePrint images below the surface layer of the skin to the live layer where the true print resides, thereby eliminating surface-level contamination issues. AuthenTec's products are the choice of leading industry hardware and software providers, ensuring compatibility across multiple platforms and applications. Based in Melbourne, Florida, AuthenTec has assembled a global network of partners, solution providers and customers including Texas Instruments, IBM, Delphi Automotive, Acer, Synaptics, Asus, Harris Corporation and SCM Microsystems. For more information, visit: www.authentec.com or call 321-308-1300.

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements about Synaptics, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. Synaptics intends such forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe-harbor created by those laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, expectations of Synaptics success in the PC market with the Fingerprint TouchPad product. Synaptics cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (a) market demand for Synaptics products (b) market demand for OEM products using Synaptics products, and ^© the failure of Synaptics products and OEM products to deliver commercially acceptable performance, and other risks as identified from time to time in Synaptics' SEC reports, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to Synaptics on the date hereof, and Synaptics assumes no obligation to update such statements.

NOTE: Synaptics, the Synaptics logo, cPad, TouchPad, TouchStyk, ClearPad, Spiral, and QuickStroke are trademarks or registered trademarks of Synaptics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Mickie Boone of Horizon Communications, +1-408-969-4888, ext. 107, or mboone@horizonpr.com, for Synaptics Incorporated; or Amanda Mena of Synaptics Incorporated, +1-408-434-0110, ext. 178, or amena@synaptics.com.