The ATRIX can be plugged into a range of docks that convert it into a laptop, personal computer, media centre, or sat-nav
It is the mobile phone designed to appeal to a man’s inner James Bond – or those with secrets. The Motorola ATRIX is the first smartphone to operate using fingerprint recognition to ensure it can only be accessed by the genuine owner. The ATRIX owner swipes their finger on the touchscreen a number of times when it is fresh out of the box to identify them as the authorised user.
From that point on, every time they touch the power button it will recognise the fingerprint and approve operation. The ATRIX is marketed as the most powerful smartphone in the world on the basis it can be plugged into a range of docks that convert it into a laptop, personal computer, media centre, or a sat-nav. There is an eye-catching ‘lapdock’, which looks like a slimline laptop but has no computer processor. Here the phone sits in a cradle while the dock is used like a normal laptop.
A second dock turns the phone into a home computer. It connects the handset to a screen via a cable, while it has a number of USB ports and Bluetooth wireless links to a full-size mouse and keyboard. The ATRIX software, called ‘Webtop’ then allows the keyboard, mouse and screen to be used as a full-size computer, including the sort of internet browser normally found on a home PC. The handset’s software also includes an entertainment centre that is controlled via an infrared remote control that communicates with the dock. Using this, it is possible to connect the phone to a high-definition TV or speakers to play back films and music.
The ATRIX has a dual core processor, which allows for fast operation, two antennae for simultaneous downloading and uploading from the web, plus a large on-board memory. Other benefits include a four-inch high-definition screen, a five mega-pixel camera and a video camera on the front for video calling. Jeremy Marks, of Spymaster, the leading professional suppliers of security equipment, said, “Biometric fingerprint security is the best way to protect your device. This type of technology offers consumers a new level of security surpassing anything we have seen before on a smartphone.”
Owners in the U.S. have been impressed with the ground-breaking security feature. One said, “All phones should have a fingerprint reader like this – it’s the future. Typing in an unlock password is so fiddly that I don’t bother with unlock security (and that worries me).” It’s rather amazing to connect your phone to an HDTV and play music, watch a movie, type up a real document, and even do your online banking with the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse connected, all from a 135-gram phone. The ATRIX is to be sold on the Orange network.
Spokeswoman Nicola Shenton said, “This really is the ultimate smart phone for gadget fans packed full of tech wizardry and features that any aspiring spy would be proud of. With its multimedia accessories and ground-breaking fingerprint swipe access, this is an innovative handset that Orange is proud to be bringing to the UK first.”
