In the rapidly approaching future, biometric software development breakthroughs will eliminate the need to carry a debit card, use a key, and remember a password. With each creative software development comes new quirks and quicker pathways to unlock, access, and identify personal information — and it’s literally at our fingertips (if not our irises, palm prints, or vocal cords). Here are some recent announcements set to bridge society to the biometric future.
Apple proliferates fingerprint reading
In addition to general security features on the iPhone, Apple now enables fingerprint authentication for the iTunes and App stores for mobile purchases. This signifies the tech giant’s openness to expanding the utility of biometrics across the board. We could be seeing much more biometric input hardwired across many more Apple products and apps in the near future.
PayPal biometrics find home on the Galaxy S5
Another phone frontrunner, Samsung’s latest and greatest iteration of its flagship Galaxy phone is slated to have an exciting new addition to its already enviable feature showcase. At an unveiling in March, PayPal announced that it will support fingerprint authentication as an alternative to traditional password entry.
Pulsewallet gears up
PulseWallet (AKA BiyoWallet) launched two years ago and is now creating a biometric system designed for everyday commerce that uses hands and measures vein patterns in the palm. The process is completely touchless and measures blood flow in a hand as it hovers above the sensor. Pulsewallet is seeing competitors start to pop up but is gaining traction fast.
PayTango in use at colleges
Created by four undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon University, PayTango allows university students to easily pay for things with authentication via the quick scan of two fingerprints. PayTango was set into motion with financial backing by Y Combinator, an investment firm that has bankrolled many other successful endeavors such as Reddit and Dropbox.
SmartMetric merges bitcoins with biometric
SmartMetric, which calls itself the “only biometric fingerprint activated payments card in the world,” is touting a card-biometric combo that’s insanely useful and dead simple. The company offers finger-protected cards that store bitcoins offline, keeping the digital cryptocurrency data management solutions ti keep sensitive information safe and secure from any potential hacking threats. The special feature of the cards lies in hardwired EMV chips that ensure interoperability between Europay, MasterCard and Visa accounts and transactions.
Disney World goes biometric
Walt Disney World now features the aptly named MagicBand system, which gives visitors to the happiest place on Earth the ability to unlock hotel doors using a special colorful wristband. The wristband works alongside Disney World’s existing fingerprint scanning technology that allows entry into the main theme park.
From Apple to Disney, biometric technology is no longer limited to the fringe of geek tech. With Fortune 500 companies loudly joining the conversation, it’s clear that biometrics are spreading like wildfire throughout our society.
