14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft introduced with Windows 10 biometric authentication in an attempt to make its devices super secure, but new hardware, including infrared cameras, are needed to use it.
Called Windows Hello, the new feature is being offered on a number of new PCs and mobile phones, including Microsoft’s own Lumia 950 XL and Surface Book, but as far as older computers are concerned, it was impossible to set up biometric authentication.
Until today, that is, as Microsoft has announced at Computex 2016 that MouseComputer, a company specialized in building peripherals for Windows computers, has built an infrared camera that can be connected to any PC in order to enable Windows Hello.
Fast connection via USB
Only little has been said about this accessory, but Microsoft has revealed that MouseComputer gives buyers two options, so they can choose between the USB infrared camera and a fingerprint reader that can be used to get quick access to a Windows 10 PC.
Using this peripheral camera, anyone can enable Windows Hello on an older computer or laptop that doesn’t come with an infrared camera built in, and all they have to do is connect it to USB, configure the feature and then make sure that MouseComputer’s device is plugged in whenever they want to authenticate to their desktops.
“As you can see, the range of Windows 10 devices our OEM partners have delivered and the new experiences they enable are remarkable,” Microsoft explains.
No pricing details have been provided, but the new infrared camera shouldn’t be too expensive if Microsoft and MouseComputer hope to see wider adoption of Windows 10, but more information should be provided later this year, when the device goes on sale. No details as to when this could happen were offered either, but those attending Computex can see it in action these days at the show.