The technology industry has been talking for years about the need to move beyond the basic password, and many have pointed to biometric authentication.

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Its PIPA Touch scanner can add biometric authentication to phones' lock screens, websites and other tasks through a developer kit, and a modular design lets it slip into cases for the Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices that should receive support.

ENGADGET: Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything