Microsoft highlights a growing list of Windows Hello enabled companion devices
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Microsoft has taken to the Windows Experience blog to point out the ever-growing list of Windows Hello enabled companion devices. The company points out that 100 unique biometric-enabled Windows devices and accessories are available across form factors, with growing opportunity for partners.
In case you did not know, Windows Hello is Microsoft’s password free solution to logging into your computer and Windows 10 device. With Windows Hello, you can use your face, your fingerprint, your eyes, or a PIN to quickly and more securely log into your Windows 10 device. Microsoft notes in the blog post:
Since first announcing the companion device framework at Build 2016, we have had more than 20 partners join our efforts to make passwords a thing of the past. By opening the Windows Hello companion device framework to the hardware industry, our partners are delivering differentiated and innovative Windows Hello devices that meet the needs of both consumers and businesses, including those in heavily regulated industries.
The first examples of companion devices for Windows Hello is the Nymi Band. Unlike other Windows Hello devices, The Nymi Band is a wearable device and allows you to just walk up to your PC with the band to log in. All you need to do is tap the band to your PC, and you will be automatically logged in. According to Microsoft, the works based on Nymi’s HeartID technology confirms it’s actually you using your heartbeat and their unique electrocardiogram (ECG) based authentication technology.
Next up is the YubiKey. YubiKey is a connected Windows Hello companion hardware device which can be plugged into a USB port on a Windows 10 device to allow you to quickly and more securely log in. The device is indestructible and even supports additional two-factor authentication, including NFC.
Other notable companion devices for Windows Hello which were mentioned in the Microsoft post include The RSA SecureID Access Authenticator, which turns existing devices into a Windows Hello companion device. According to Microsoft, this works by downloading an app on your mobile phone, and then logging into your Windows 10 PC based on the distance to your device, or through the use of a PIN.
What are your impressions of these companion Windows Hello devices? Do you see yourself using one of these devices in the future? Let us know what you think by dropping us a comment below!
