Nymi

ItsMyFault · Sep 3, 2013

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Passwords could be passé if this Toronto-based startup has its way. Bionym, which was founded in 2011 and closed a $1.4 million (CAD) seed round last month, has devised a biometric recognition system in the form of a wearable wristband — called Nymi, just launched as a pre-order for $79 for early 2014 shipping.

The wristband relies on authenticating identity by matching the overall shape of the user’s heartwave (captured via an electrocardiogram sensor). Unlike other biotech authentication methods — like fingerprint scanning and iris-/facial-recognition tech — the system doesn’t require the user to authenticate every time they want to unlock something. Because it’s a wearable device, the system sustains authentication so long as the wearer keeps the wristband on.

To authenticate via Nymi, the user puts the wristband on and touches a topside sensor with one hand to complete an electrical loop with the bottom-side sensor touching their wrist. That generates the ECG data used to authenticate their identity, and the wristband transmits the ECG (via Bluetooth) to the corresponding registered app, on a smartphone or other device in proximity to the user, to verify the wearer is who they say they are.

Bionym says Nymi is a three-factor security system, being as multiple pieces have to be in place for authentication to be achieved. However the system skips some ongoing hassle of multi-factor systems by maintaining an authenticated state and only requiring the user to offer up their biometric data once per day (or however often they remove the wristband).

As well as an ECG sensor and Bluetooth low energy for transmitting data, the wristband contains a gyroscope and accelerometer so it can support gesture unlocking scenarios, too (it has 6-axis motion sensing) — so you could use a particular wrist twist to unlock a car door, for instance. That sort of scenario will depend mostly on third party developers getting involved and building out an app ecosystem around the device. Bionym is releasing an API that will be open source so it’s hoping to attract broad interest.
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http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/03/nymi/

SwoLy-D · Sep 3, 2013

Lazy *sses.

Shroopy2 · Sep 3, 2013

This is the EPITOME of "DORKY" Geek device.

I LIKE it.

(But probably typical innovative solution looking for problem. And as always it can have some specific enterprise use but maybe not wide mainstream use.)

The main part is that it doesnt require frequent re-authentication. So for people who already do that on their devices (who DOES? Who is REALLY using retinal scanners?) then this is a good streamlined tool.

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