Microsoft’s Windows Hello – Biometric Authentication Platform
Recently, Microsoft announced Windows Hello, which is a biometric authentication platform enabling Windows computer to get unlocked using facial, fingerprint or iris scanning and users will now be able to access Window 10 computer by using their face or fingerprints for a password as a first step in what is supposed to be the end of the computer password code named Windows Hello. Microsoft announced that the latest version of the operating system that has claimed 1.5 billion users across the world would be launched this summer. The operating system can be used by desktop and laptop computers together and the Xbox games console and will also run on Microsoft tablets and phones.
The news came from the executive vice president of the operating systems groups, Terry Myerson, at the Windows Hardware Ecosystem Community summitin China, recently. The company is speculating that the new form of authentication namely Windows Hello would be much more convenient as the need of remembering long password would not be essential. Moreover it would be much more secure since in theory, only a person could be capable of unlocking the computer. Windows Hello would enable biometric login for certain application as well as online services. There are some devices having the hardware to use the new platform on a number of updated phones that are released with fingerprint scanners.
Solution to Enhance Security
The new cameras that are fitted together with infrared technology would be capable of scanning faces and it rises to ensure that the right person is unlocking a computer. The company claims that this technology is made with extra precaution stating that it is `a solution which government, defence, health care, financial and other organisations could utilise to enhance their security with this latest form of technology namely Windows Hello. It was first announced in April 2014 and presently it is in public beta testing. Windows 10 would be released as free download somewhere in summer in around 190 countries in 111 languages and the company has informed that the updates would be released later this year though it confirmed recently that it would be coming up very soon. With this latest entry, it would bring in a variety of new features which includes streamlining links as well as the ability to load it on all types of devices which includes holograms.
Free Upgrades
Besides, it would also get rid of some old one which include killing off Internet Explorer. The update would also be free to all Windows 7, Windows 8.1 as well as Windows Phone 8.1 users during its first year, as per the company’s announcement when it had launched the operating system this January. Some of the PC companies had started making commitment to their customers to make the upgrade process easier and help them to get on the new operating system. Taking the example of Lenovo, who are offering free upgrade serves at 2,500 service centres in China enabling customers with the guidance through the upgrades. Free upgrades offered is partly due to the response to the high amount of piracy of the earlier Windows update in China and the company would be offering the upgrades to those who would be using copies of the software which are not genuine since they have been downloaded or shared.
