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Below is part of an article that has good  graphics on the site.

The password for your next phone is...

By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine

June 9, 2005

Biometric technology is already well known for its controversial use on the UK's proposed new identity cards. But the integration of fingerprint sensors on to mobile phones, laptops and PCs is still relatively new.

Several companies are racing to have their fingerprint security devices adopted for the potentially lucrative phone market.

Users would typically have to roll their index finger over a small sensor to register their prints. It needs several correct readings to register the user.

Then every time they want to log on, or unlock the device, they roll their finger over it again and, Open Sesame, they're in.

"Only biometrics give a unique link to a human being. Whether the technology is based on password or code, none of that gives you proof of who it is." .....

Mr Kramer believes far more radical uses are on the way, such as replacing signatures in
paying for goods in stores, and use as a universal "key" to open your front door and car.

He acknowledges there is a Big Brother fear about biometrics but says fingerprint data is self-contained on the device and not stored elsewhere.

Other firms such as AuthenTec, which says it has sensors in more than three million mobile phones worldwide, and DigitalPersona, also sense this is about to take off.

But why now?

FINGERPRINT USES Opening doors Key for home and car Buying goods in-store Accessing a safe

"A mobile phone isn't just used as a mobile anymore," says Phil Robinson, chief technology officer for security firm IRM.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4073208.stm