Token launches biometric fingerprint identification ring

Token, a biometric identity ring that streamlines the process of authentication throughout your day, has officially launched.

Supported by partners including Mastercard, Microsoft, FitPay and the FIDO Alliance, Token is available for presale now on its website beginning at $249, and will begin shipping to users this December.

Token serves as a seamless solution to manage various credentials while leveraging a proprietary continuous two-factor authentication method to ensure no one but the authorized user can access the protected credentials.

The entire authentication process is conducted via an ultra-compact fingerprint sensor in the base of the ring and an optical proximity sensor.

“The way we prove who we are is broken. Token allows you to prove who you are – from your front door to your office to the grocery store – while simultaneously protecting your information with advanced cryptography,” said Token Cofounder and CEO Melanie Shapiro. “It’s all of your digital keys in one place, while taking up less physical real estate than a credit card.”

Token, which is made of sterling silver, uses simple gestures inspired by natural movements, such as taps and knocks to prove identity.

Whenever the ring is removed, Token’s embedded proximity sensor instantly locks credentials and only reactivates when the device detects the fingerprint of the original user.

Token replaces the need for the majority of day-to-day credentials, including credit cards (MasterCard or Visa and pay with a tap capabilities at over 15 million stores), house keys, passwords, transit cards (over 50 transit systems worldwide, with another 30 added in 2018), access cars, and car keys.

“Microsoft designed Windows Hello to enable all of our customers to move to a password alternative that is secure from the modern threats and we’re thrilled to work with Token to make the Windows Hello experience even better,” said Chris Hallum, senior product manager at Microsoft Windows Client Security. “With its wearable design, Token logs you into Windows 10 seamlessly in a way that feels natural and familiar. We’re excited to continue working with our partners like Token to make Windows devices and our customers online experiences more secure.”

“At Mastercard, the purpose of our Commerce for Every Device Program is to enable secure payments to a whole new generation of devices – giving consumers more choice in how they pay,” said Kiki Del Valle, senior vice president of commerce for every device at Mastercard. “The Token device provides our card holders a personalized lifestyle accessory that can make simple and safe contactless transactions at millions of merchant locations in 96 countries around the globe.”

Previously reported, payment and authentication firm Fit Pay, a wholly owned subsidiary of NXT-ID, recently announced it is providing payment capabilities for Token.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  continuous authentication  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  Mastercard  |  Microsoft  |  NXT-ID  |  Token