14 DAY TRIAL // Google, though not the only one, has recently been talking about moving beyond the password. The password has been good to the Internet so far, but it's time to move on, as there are too many sites and too many accounts for it to be a good security measure.
There are several ideas for password replacements, and the ones that seem to have the biggest backing are physical tokens of some sort.
But Google is not the only one working on this, as Bionym, a Canadian company, is launching the Nymi, an authentication bracelet that relies on your heartbeat to generate a unique key.
It's an interesting concept; the bracelet monitors your pulse and records the unique pattern. Then, any time you need to authenticate somewhere, all you have to do is put the bracelet on and touch the tip.
As long as you wear it, it remains "on" so you can use it anywhere just by being close by. The system uses Bluetooth to connect to devices. As for what it could be used with, there aren't any limits.
The video shows it used with your car, for your computer, even to pay for things. All of that though depends on support from third parties. Luckily, there's an SDK that developers can use to build support into their apps or devices.
The device has an accelerometer, so it can support gestures as well, such as opening the lid of your car by flicking your wrist. But the sensor also makes the Nymi a great health-tracking device, again, provided the software for that develops.
"Your Nymi lets you use your unique cardiac rhythm to authenticate your identity, allowing you to wirelessly take control of your computer, your smartphone, your car and so much more," Bionym explains some of the use cases.
"As you wake up know that wherever you go the Nymi will be interacting with your devices, creating a smart, password and key-free environment. The Nymi will also have customizable notifications. If you're the kind of person who likes to be connected to their emails, texts and social updates, you'll never be behind with the Nymi," it adds.
