Microsoft Updates Biometric Features For Vista

January 10th, 2007: While it has completely overhauled security with Windows Visa, Microsoft has also been looking at making security more convenient through biometrics and DigitalPersona software.

At 2007’s International CES in Las Vegas, the company announced the release of its latest fingerprint reader, promising the convenience of replacing passwords with fingerprints and managing this access across multiple computers.

Microsoft has steadily been adding biometric devices to peripherals such as keyboards and mice, however, so far these features have proved to be somewhat more of a novelty than significant boost to security.

The addition of DigitalPersona software this time around though, could indeed make fingerprint access more useful overall as it enables management of password changes, the saving of passwords to a CD or thumb drive, and import/export to other computers.

"We've added new features to our mice and keyboards, and the Fingerprint Reader is no exception, with updates to make Windows Vista features more convenient," said Sean Butterworth, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. "The Hardware team worked closely with DigitalPersona to enable password mobility and administration, which is a huge timesaver and something many customers have requested, especially those who will be making the move to Windows Vista this year."

On its own, the new fingerprint reader is available now for an estimated retail price of US$39.95.

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