Microsoft Wants a Fingerprint Sensor in Your Keyboard’s Windows Key

[The AchieVer]

Microsoft Wants a Fingerprint Sensor in Your Keyboard’s Windows Key

A Microsoft patent envisions a new type of fingerprint sensors that could at some point be used on our laptops, and instead of being placed on the body of the device, they may end up integrated right into the Windows key on the keyboard.

Called “keyset fingerprint sensor,” the patent describes a way to embed the fingerprint reader right into the Windows key, technically making it possible to log into Windows or log in to various services by simply touching this button.

“The cover includes a cut-out exposes the underlying fingerprint sensor so the fingerprint sensor is visible through an opening in the surface of the key. Alternatively, the cover forms a surface designed to conceal the underlying fingerprint sensor. In this approach, the sensor key matches other keys within the arrangement of keys, such that the sensor key blends-in and is not visible from the surface of the key,” the patent reads.Hello, Windows Hello!In other words, the Windows key with a built-in fingerprint sensor would look like any other key on the keyboard, but come with a special approach that would allow the reader to detect the fingerprint, either through a cutout or using a different cover.

Such an idea would help Microsoft improve the experience with Windows Hello, as the company is betting big on this feature in order to make passwords obsolete. Microsoft itself is pushing partners to embrace Windows Hello, either with dedicated cameras powering facial recognition or such fingerprint sensors.

Needless to say, while this new tech makes a lot of sense especially on a laptop, the project is still in the patent stage, which means Microsoft could very well give up on it at any point.  However, don’t be too surprised if Microsoft itself pioneers a Windows key with a fingerprint sensor on a future-generation Surface.

 

 

 

 

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