Apple may have bought Authentec because it wants to add swipe sensor technology to its devices, say legal findings. The sensors can scan a base layer of skin on a person's finger for secure identification for mobile payment. That story and other news is in our roundup for 17 August.
Apple's buys AuthenTec apparently for its fingerprint readers
Apple made one of its largest purchases ever a few weeks ago when it bought AuthenTec, and Matt Brian of TNW dug up legal findings to probe why. His smart guess? Apple seems to want the company's 2D fingerprint sensors, most likely to add them to its new Passbook feature.
The backstory: In May, AuthenTec said it had invented a tiny (1.3mm) sensor for secure near-field communication (NFC) mobile commerce. For context, read Tnooz's take on Apple Passbook and its potential impact on the travel industry.
Expedia hires ad stars
The OTC's advertising division, Expedia Media Solutions, wants a "more diversified" [read: more luxury brands that aren't travel-related] set of advertisers on Expedia sites. So it has hired Paul DeBraccio as director media solutions ad sales, North America and Derek Netelenbos as senior director, global advertising sales.
Trippy partners with AOL's about.me
About.me, the free profile page that presents a portfolio of a user's online activities, has integrated with social travel site Trippy, allowing users to display a map and photo gallery of places they've been.
British Airways makes a faux pas
BA's Executive Club award booking search engine mistakenly called its alliance partner Japan Airlines (JAL) Japanese Airlines. Upgrdr has the visual proof.
BookItNow! expands
Only five-months old, the last-minute hotel booking app adds Paris, Prague, and Zurich listings.
Westin launches new lobby designWestin Hotels and Resorts will redesign its lobbies in 2013 to feature "vertical gardens." Wouldn't strong WiFi hotspots be better?
N.B. Photo of a fingerprint courtesy of Fazen/Flickr/Creative Commons)