14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to keeping your personal data safe on your mobile device, you have a bunch of options available. You could either implement a passport, use a specific pattern to unlock, or place your trust in a fingerprint scanner, or into the most recent concoction, an iris scanner.
While fingerprint scanners are becoming quite mainstream (ZTE unveiled yesterday three phones taking advantage of this security system starting at $160), there are other ways to go about things. And Microsoft seems to have identified a novel way. As revealed in a recent patent unearthed by WMPU, Microsoft seems to be tackling a gesture-based unlocking system designed to protect your phone from harm.
How exactly this setup will protect your private data, you might be asking yourself at this point. According to the info shared with us in the documents, the system will be sensitive enough to be able to discern the exact pattern used by your fingers when positioned on the screen. From this arrangement, the system will be able to discern whether it is dealing with the rightful owner of the device or someone else.
The way you place your hand on the device will be indicative of your identity
The patent goes on to describe how such a scenario would become possible. Apparently, the system will be able to measure the angles between a user’s finger, the exact timing of when your finger touches the screen, the size of your finger, and how much pressure is applied. As it turns out, these aspects are unique to each and every user out there.
Microsoft envisions a future for this feature with mobile devices, but there are hints that the system might be implemented into bigger displays as well. On top of that, the Redmond giant might even consider embedding it into Kinect.
Naturally, as is usually the case when dealing with new ideas, you should keep in mind we’re only talking about a patent here, so the system might not necessarily make its way into a real life device. In all possibility, Microsoft is merely entertaining or toying with the idea, so it might not mean much, after all.
Microsoft’s upcoming flagships, Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, are expected to boast an iris scanner, so even if the technology becomes a reality, it might be a while before it makes its way into actual products.
