Master Lock Now Includes Finger Scan

Starting with a garage door platform and moving later this year into a range of other products, Master Lock Co. will incorporate Biometrx’s smartTouch technology, which uses a finger reader to provide entry. Master Lock, a member of the Fortune Brands family of companies, has entered into a development and marketing partnership with Biometrx to offer the high-tech security products.

“Biometric devices such as fingerprint readers offer consumers the convenience of not having to carry a key or remember a combination, as well as the peace of mind of not worrying about lost, stolen or copied keys,” says Steve Hedlund, vice president of growth and innovation at Master Lock. “As the cost of this technology comes down, we believe that consumers will increasingly look for biometrics to be integrated into a broad range of security products.”

The biometric company’s “powered by smartTouch” design allows owners to add and delete users with a portable handheld device or their own home computer, and can accommodate up to 20 users.

Besides its Master Lock smartTouch garage door opener, the companies report they have started joint development of other consumer security products, with introductions slated for later in 2007.