Apple releases iOS 7.0.2 to fix lock screen security bug

Apple's released yet another supplemental update for iOS 7, a little more than a week after the software was first released.
The 7.0.2 update, which went out Thursday morning, fixes a bug that would let users bypass the passcode security on the lock screen. That security issue was discovered just hours after the public update was released, and would give anyone direct access to applications and user data.
Apple last week said it was working on a fix, though did not offer an estimate on when it would arrive.

Along with the security fix, Apple says the update brings back the capability to use a Greek keyboard when typing in passcodes, something that was apparently missing in the early release.
Lock screens offer the primary means of defense against unwanted use of mobile devices. When introducing the iPhone 5S earlier this month, Apple claimed that only about half of smartphone users actually had passcode security enabled. That was just before debuting Touch ID, a new fingerprint scanning technology that's baked into the iPhone 5S and can unlock a phone without users having to enter in their passcode. The feature is expected to be included in all future iOS devices.
Source:Cnet

iPhone Touch ID - All That Matters & All You Should Know

The brand new iPhone 5S isn't a big shot upgrade over the iPhone 5, but it does have something, I'd say 'innovative' - the Touch ID. As rumored, it's your fingerprint scanner that leads to a few interesting use cases. As Apple calls it, the sensor takes fingerprint scanning to an entirely new level with 500 PPI resolution. This means that it can scan your fingers very accurately to identify you uniquely. The sensor itself is just 170 microns in thickness and is capable of scanning in every possible direction; called 360 degree scanning.

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What are the possible uses of Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner?

1. The home button which has the sensor retains its old functionality and acts as your quick resort to the home screen from any app.
2. It adds an extra level of security to your Apple store purchases.
3. It adds extra authentication to your iTunes digital downloads.

You will be able to authenticate yourself to iBooks by using your fingerprints. The feature is only available on iOS7; which by the way will make it to compatible Apple devices on September 18.

It's not clear whether the apple will allow multiple user accounts on the same iPhone using the new technology, but it'd definately be something to look forward to.

Security

Apple has promised that the fingerprint data is encrypted and stored in the A7 chip. The data will never be stored in the iCloud or even backed up on Apple's servers. Also, it's not clear how deep access will the developers have to the scanned data for innovative integration in their own apps.

The question is - do all these features push the game forward to the other players? Do you expect Samsung and other manufacturers to include the fingerprint scanners in their devices in coming months?