Apple bulks up mobile security with $356M AuthenTec buy

Apple is getting serious about mobile security.The Cupertino, Calif., company has agreed to acquire security technology company AuthenTec for $356 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission made by AuthenTec.The $8-a-share offer for AuthenTec represents a 58 percent premium over its Thursday closing price of $5.07. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when the company responds. An AuthenTec spokesman confirmed the deal but said it wouldn't be adding any more detail. Apple is just the latest company to get swept up in the increasing interest in mobile security. With increasing reports of mobile malware, viruses, and other threats, the wireless industry has stepped up its defenses. Carriers such as AT&T and Sprint Nextel are increasingly talking about security as the next big service, while a number of mobile security firms have sprung up in recent years. AuthenTec makes fingerprint sensors and identity management software that's deployed in mobile devices, computing and networking companies, service providers, and governments. It counts Samsung Electronics, LG, Cisco Systems, and Motorola among its customers. Earlier this month, Samsung tapped AuthenTec's virtual private network security to power its business-class smartphones and tablets.

Apple brings movies to iTunes in Japan

Apple has brought its movie rental and purchasing service to Japan.Japanese iTunes users can now buy or rent over 1,000 movies from the top Hollywood studios, like Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., as well as films from several prominent Japanese studios. Apple said yesterday that Hollywood films, like "Toy Story 3" and "Sex and the City 2," will be made available to Japanese customers.As soon as Japanese iTunes customers decide to rent a movie, they will have 30 days to start watching it. Once the film is started, it will be viewable for 48 hours. HD rentals range from 300 yen to 500 yen for older titles and new releases, respectively. Apple said that it will cost 2,000 yen ($24.33) to purchase"catalog titles and recent releases" in HD. It plans to sell new HD releases for 2,500 yen. With the movie service now live, Apple has been awfully busy in Japan as of late. The company started shipping its Apple TV to the country this week. It also announced earlier this week that it plans to bring its iAd advertising platform to Japan toward the beginning of 2011.