Microsoft opens Windows Hello to use wearables as authenticators for logging in to Windows
At Computex 2016, Microsoft demonstrated that users will soon be able to unlock their Windows 10 PCs by using wearables. The company demonstrated on stage how a Microsoft Band can be used to unlock a Windows 10 device. Support for wearables are being added to Windows Hello, in the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary upgrade later this summer.
Windows Hello is a framework that allows logging into devices with the use of biometric data like fingerprint, facial scan, etc. Windows Hello works on the principle of a “passport”, which are generated by the biometric data and helps users authenticate themselves securely, without the use of actual passwords. Microsoft also announced that wearable devices made by other companies would also be compatible with Windows Hello authentication, and not just its own. These will fall under updates made to the Windows Hello Companion Device Framework.
Microsoft states that the devices, which can be used to login via Windows Hello, can also be used to log in to the Windows Store and make payments, or browse websites using these wearables. This marks a significant move away from passwords.
With companies like Google also looking to phase out passwords and Yahoo! launching on-demand passwords, this comes as no surprise as many users will cherish being able to unlock their machines with smart wearables. We can expect to see more devices being launched in the future, that will be compatible with Windows 10 authentication.
Follow Us
