WATCH: Token ring stores passwords, makes payments, opens house doors
Laptops, smartphones, email and social media accounts all require passwords just as doors and cars require keys to open. But in this information-run tech age, most people have a difficult time of keeping track of passwords. This is where the Token ring comes in.
Image: Tokenize
Made by tech company Tokenize, the Token ring is being marketed as the keyring of all keyrings for both digital and physical access. This ring is essentially a waterproof near-field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth device that allows users to log in to computers, open doors and even make payments.
Token can also be paired to an Android or iOS device to share biometric information with a smart device.
Fingerprint scanning technology and an optical proximity sensor are used to recognize a ring’s owner so that not just anybody can pick up your Token ring and use it to access all your digital information. Furthermore, the Tokenize claims that personal data is protected with advanced cryptography.
According to the specifications listed on the site, the Token is even rated with an EAL5+ certified secure element. This means that a lot of effort and money was put into developing a secure system which can keep personal data personal.
Two knocks unlocks a Macbook through a Bluetooth connection. Image: Tokenize
The company blog states that companies like Microsoft, Mastercard, HID and Visa are included in the list of partners that are involved in the development of the Token ring. Having such big names attached to the product may help drive demand as it will make it safe and convenient to log-in to Windows-powered computers or make payments through credit cards.
Keys will become artifacts of an old world, or at least that’s how the makers of Token see it. Image: Tokenize.
The Token ring could also integrate with the United Nation’s global digital ID project which aims to give every person in the globe a digital identity by 2030.
Pre-orders are currently up for the Token ring (in United States sizes of 6 to 12) and it will cost early adopters $249 a piece. Shipments are scheduled to start in December while a global release is still pending an announcement.
Adding $100 to the basic order gives the DoorLock function for unlocking house doors. Another $100 adds CarLock for unlocking and driving supported cars. There are also three different finishes to choose from, namely Brushed, Black Rhodium and 14K Rose Gold. Brushed is the basic; the other two cost an extra $50. This brings the total of $499 for a fully equipped and customized Token ring. Battery life is listed as roughly two weeks.
Three colors to choose from to match the users’ lifestyle or personality. Image: Tokenize.
The Token ring offers a lot of potential. For such an important piece of technology, let’s hope the makers have also thought of ways to keep clumsy users from losing it. JB
