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Microsoft has gone all in on AI, but the company is, surprisingly, working on other types of technology. According to a new report, Microsoft is working on a new earbuds authentication method that could make logging into your devices and services easier.
Over the years, we’ve seen companies develop different methods of biometric authentication. Of course, there are fingerprint and facial recognition. Also, we’ve seen Samsung’s retina scanning technology. We can’t forget about LG’s palm scanning method. It seems that people are looking for more ways to verify your identity for some reason.
Microsoft filed a patent for earbud authentication
Right now, there’s no telling if this technology will make it to the real world. Microsoft only patented the technology. It’s basically securing the rights to the tech in the case that it wants to pursue it. So, you’ll want to take this news with a grain of salt.
Firstly, how the heck will you use your headphones to verify your identity? Well, the earbuds using this technology will emit an ultrasonic sound that will bounce off of your ear’s internals. Apparently, the internal structure of a person’s ear is unique to just them. So, the earbuds will, ostensibly, be able to identify you. It will listen back to the echos of the ultrasonic sound and tell who you are.
The earbuds will be able to ping nearby devices that require authentication. So when you need to log in to a service or a device, it will use the earbuds for authentication. Since the earbuds will be able to tell when they’re in your ear, they won’t be able to verify your identity when they’re not in your ear.
This seems like a pretty odd kind of technology, but it’s interesting. If Microsoft can develop it, then logging into your devices will be much easier. Rather than having to enter your password, you’ll be able to seamlessly authenticate yourself.