Google Experiments With Jewelry Instead of Passwords

[engine]

The world’s largest search engine is now experimenting with jewelry that would eliminate the need to remember dozens of passwords.

As part of research into doing away with typed passwords, Google has built rings that not only adorn a finger but also can be used to log in to a computer or online account.

The search and ad company first revealed its plans to put an end to passwords in an academic paper published online in January (see “Google’s Alternative to the Password”). The effort focused on having people plug a small USB key that provides their credentials into a computer. The possibility of using special jewelry in a similar manner was mentioned in that paper.Google Experiments With Jewelry Instead of Passwords [technologyreview.com]

Upadhyay said that Google’s trial was focused on a slim USB key that performs a cryptographic transaction with an online service to prove the key’s validity when it’s plugged into a computer. The key also has a contactless chip inside so that it can be used to log in via mobile devices.

[matrix_jan]

Such unique "jewelry" already exists on our fingers. It's called fingerprint.

[lucy24]

And, unlike a ring, a fingerprint is not so easily stolen.

All of my passwords live in the Keychain. Granted, this only works when nobody else has access to your computer.

[Leosghost]

All my passwords live in my head..G thinks they'd like to be able to get in there..they wouldn't ..

[Samizdata]

unlike a ring, a fingerprint is not so easily stolen

Not so easy to sell to people either.

...

[ken_b]

And, unlike a ring, a fingerprint is not so easily stolen.

Or misplaced

[albo]

Glass, shoe, ring... assimilation begins

[jecasc]

And, unlike a ring, a fingerprint is not so easily stolen.

No need to steal them, you leave them everywhere for free.

[dasalte.ccc.de...]

And if you think those do not work, think again. This method was succesfully used on a fingerprint payment system a german supermarket chain had introduced.