Here’s a very clever idea, so it seems, German fire arms maker Armatix has created a handgun that will only fire once the user is wearing a biometrically unlocked wrist watch. It has an LED that goes green when the gun is ready to fire and red when it is locked.

“To activate the wrist watch, the authorized person’s fingerprint must first be read by the wrist watch. An internal database compares the current fingerprint against stored prints and responds accordingly. The wrist watch is then activated for a definable period – e.g. an officer’s work shift or until manually deactivated.”

It’s a good way of controlling guns, especially during times of a gun ban like here in the Philippines during election season or New Year’s celebrations.

However, I see a few concerns. What if the wristwatch gets busted. How do you then unlock the gun? What if, say you’re a police officer, you and your partner get tangled in a gun fight with criminals and he takes a hit while your weapon gets jammed or becomes useless you need your partner’s hand gun. But alas it’s locked and you can’t use it either?

Surely though, this hypothetical concerns would be addressed and the technology would be widespread in the future. It will help preventing crime, gun shot injuries and solve crimes.

At present, there is .22 cal hand gun which sells for 7,000 Euro (that’s almost $10,000 or 453 605.22 Philippine pesos) and will be available next month. Check out the product page here.

• iWallet – a safe in your pocket that reads your fingerprint (0)

We have various security features for the valuable (read: expensive) things we own. Password encryption, biometric locks, alarms protect our gadgets and they have proven themselves to be effective.

However, we have yet to upgrade the security features of one of the oldest and most common invention we carry around in our pockets; our wallets! Millions are lost and stolen everyday around the world, we’ve used chains and tracking devices yet it seems to be inadequate. Not anymore, one new wallet dares to claim that it’s “a safe in your pocket.”

iWallet

The iWallet is built with Kevlar and Carbon fiber, the same material used to make bulletproof vests and Formula 1 cars, making it one of the toughest wallets on the planet.

To add another layer of security, it has a built-in biometrics reader, meaning that only you the owner can open it using your finger print. The final touch to its security features, is a Bluetooth alarm which pairs off with your phone that buzzes if the wallet goes too far away from you.

Awesome is not? However, a few concerns…

What if the biometrics reader gets screwed and fails to read your fingerprint? What if the battery runs out? How would the authorities identify you in case of emergencies when they can’t access your identification card because it’s locked in your wallet? Remember how the guys in CSI would always look for the victim’s wallet first to establish identity?

Well no technology is indeed perfect. However, be prepared because the iWallet could really burn a hole in your pocket. It sells for $299.00 USD so in case you do decide to buy it, I hope you’ve have enough money to keep inside it.

Lastly, I’d like to see how the iWallet would fare against the friendly and totally-safe streets and alleys of Metro Manila or even your average passenger jeep.

• Handgun with biometric lock by Armatix (1)
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