As the Build conference approaches, where Microsoft will release a public preview of Windows 8.1, the company is beginning to unveil many of the improvements that it has made in the upcoming Windows 8 update. Last week it detailed many new features such as the return of the Start button. Windows has traditionally supported biometric devices such as fingerprint readers albeit through third party software and drivers. The company has now announced that Windows 8.1 will bring native support for fingerprint readers. Not only that, it will also allow users to lock individual folders in the system with fingerprints.
Windows 8.1 becomes the first edition of Windows to natively support this technology. By touching or swiping their finger on a reader, users will be able to log in to their PCs through Microsoft Account, open programs and even purchase apps. The company has confirmed that it is working with OEMs to encourage them to add fingerprint readers in to their devices, such as mice, tablets, keyboards and laptops. The ability to lock individual folders that can only be opened by a particular fingerprint will, in my view, be a much appreciated feature as it provides a whole new level of security on shared devices.
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