Sony unveils flash device with biometric security

Sony Electronics announced on Tuesday a flash memory device designed to combine data storage with identity management. The product, dubbed the "FIU-810 Puppy Fingerprint Identity Token," is about the size of a lighter and sports both a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection and a fingerprint reader. The reader is designed to keeps users' files secure, Sony said. The product also includes digital certificate capabilities and can be used with separate software for such things as secure e-mail and remotely accessing virtual private networks, the company said. It is slated to ship in late spring, priced at $169.99.

Last year, Sony unveiled a similar device that adds a fingerprint reader to a USB flash drive. The earlier product is geared more toward consumers, Sony said.