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You will soon be able to unlock your Windows 10 PC with a wearable or a non-Microsoft device.
Microsoft announced it is opening up its Windows Hello feature to third-party devices at Computex in Taipei – an IT trade show organised by the Taipei Computer Association.
It is part of a series of new updates to the company’s “Companion Device Framework” that will allow other firms to create wearable gizmos that support unlocking Windows PCs.
During a live demo at Computex, a Microsoft representative used the Nymi band to log into her computer.
Windows Hello already supports facial recognition and fingerprint sensors and is extending its ‘unlocking’ feature to Microsoft Band.
In addition to that, Microsoft is working on a new version of its Authenticator app that will allow Windows 10 mobile phones to unlock other Windows 10 devices.
The tech giant didn’t provide any timeline for the updates, but the assumption is it will be rolled out along with the upcoming Anniversary Update to Windows 10.
And for those who don’t have Windows 10, the company also revealed in a blog post that MouseComputer is releasing two new accessories that will allow users access to Windows Hello on their old PCs.
The company also made several announcements at Computex – including a Windows 10 2-in-1 with support for Windows Hello 2.0 that was made in collaboration between an unnamed manufacturer and Porsche Design.
In addition, Microsoft also opened up its mixed reality Windows Holographic platform to third parties.
