Apple Working on OS X 10.12 Feature Allowing Macs to Be Unlocked via iPhone's Touch ID

[6836838]

Thinkpads et al have had this feature for ten years. By nice if Apple brings Touch ID to mac hardware too.

You gotta love that little finger swipe action. I wonder what IBM are doing with your fingerprint gif?
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Of course it makes it easier. But that doesn't mean putting a sensor on the keyboard wouldn't be better. But then why not use the iSight camera in conjunction with voice recognition to get access. Both sensors are already available on all macs and all iPads and iPhones.

Not a great idea if you've ever recorded your voice in public and/or posted a picture of yourself on public media.

 

[AppleMad98004]

So you want to force people to buy new Macs? There are apps that do this exact same thing so there is obviously a demand for this feature. One of my college professors uses knock for iOS. As soon as he enters the building to go to his office he is well in range to unlock his Mac Pro within just 2 seconds.

Actually that would be better. They are neglecting the MAC (OS X) platform. Perhaps something innovative rather than computers with half decade old designs might spur innovation.

 

[wigby]

Honestly, I hope this is temporary and there will be a fingerprint sensor built into Macs. Not everyone has iPhones, and most importantly, I'm not about to pull out my phone to unlock it, open an app, then fingerprint it again. Might as well enter my 6-digit password because that's about as secure my computer needs to be since nobody even has access to it.

Why so many steps? Obviously, unlocking the iPhone will instantly unlock your nearest Mac computer. That's still an extra step compared to someone who's already sitting at their desk and typing. But Apple will be doing this because it will spur sales of Macs. But they will probably never build it into Macs because it's not that much of a value to customers and it will only cost Apple more to build it in.

 

[tampageek]

This must mean that they really are going to show us new mac's at WWDC.

But fingerprint ID on a laptop is not new. I've had it on all my Thinkpad's for years.

 

[glindon]

This is something I've wanted to see since it was introduced, except by putting it into something like the keyboard.

This doesn't really work with desktop macs though as the keyboard is wireless and many don't use Apple keyboards or mice.

 

[wigby]

Touch ID doesn't even have to be on one of the keys. Just build the sensor right into the track pad. Second, partner with Visa Checkout & MasterCard Paypass so users can use Apple Pay right from a Mac in places where those payment services are accepted, and build on from there.

I can't believe an average guy like me knows more than Tim Cook and his "innovators" at Apple.

Touch ID might be built into future Magic Mouses but not into the keyboard or Mac itself.

 

[adrianm2000]

This is dumb as hell... Put a Touch ID sensor on one of the keys and be done with it

Agree it's stoopid. Put a TouchID sensor around the power button.

 

[Osty]

You gotta love that little finger swipe action. I wonder what IBM are doing with your fingerprint gif?

Dunno, I only run Linux on my Thinkpad with an open source print reader.

I don't care what other operating system vendors use their customers' data for.

 

[SuchInnovation]

So instead of just putting touch ID into the MacBook, I have to buy this adapter called an iPhone?!

 

[tampageek]

I hope that actual TouchID will come to future Macs soon. However, this could be a neat way of incorporating some of the functionality into older Macs. If they're doing this, it probably means they'd want TouchID features in as many Macs as possible, probably for the implementation of web-based Apple Pay. I'd be all for that.

I don't think they can do this with software alone. If you want it you're probably going to have to buy a new Mac

 

[SuKim]

Do you really think the reason we haven't seen the expansion of Apple Pay and Touch ID to the Mac is because someone lacked the idea?

Yes, they did run out of good ideas, think about watch band, think about watch band, Man.

 

[mildmannered]

I think facial recognition via the FaceTime camera would be a better way to go. It could also take snapshots of people that are snooping when you're not around.

I like the idea of a fingerprint scanner. I think it would add continuity to the product range. It's a unobtrusive, simple to use technology that enhances the user experience for the everyday user.

Seeing as Siri has also been mentioned as coming to the Mac, that would further enhance the synergy between the products.

Adding to your comment, made me think of a simple security feature that could utilize the existing hardware (on Mac, phone and pad) - that is the camera could take snapshots every time an unsuccessful login is attempted. Which could be reviewed once unlocked.

 

[neutralguy]

Apple is getting dumber day by day!

 

[iZac]

At this point, maybe the 'phone' needs a re-brand.

It's not really a phone anymore. More like a communicator.

 

[Mr. Retrofire]

Article Link: Apple Working on OS X 10.12 Feature Allowing Macs to Be Unlocked via iPhone's Touch ID

The Android developers stole this idea from Apple!
http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/lollipop/how-to-use-smart-lock-in-android-lollipop/

;-)

 

[iGeek2014]

Samsung sort of have it already:

 

[JediZenMaster]

I really like Mac ID which does this.

 

[a.gomez]

so I'm going to go get my phone to unlock my laptop... the thing I have right in front of me and my hands are on it. Why?.

 

[lordofthereef]

This is a welcome addition. If also welcome a built in print reader on a MacBook. Seems it would be right at home in place of the power button. I'm sure that's a year or two out, at that point my MacBook will be 6-7 years old, so a nice time to upgrade. No issues with it currently really so I may even end up waiting longer.

 

[mdelvecchio]

Picking up my phone to unlock my mac doesn't make anything easier. Adding a sensor to the keyboard will.

nonsense. I don't use the Apple keyboard, I use my own keyboard. but I have my phone or watch with me at all times.

thank god you guys don't make the important decisions.

 

[Black Belt]

It's just ANOTHER, convenient way to login. Quit yer cryin ya mugs. Jeebus Cribst!

 

[mdelvecchio]

Do you really think the reason we haven't seen the expansion of Apple Pay and Touch ID to the Mac is because someone lacked the idea?

haha you got it. these jokers think the "idea" is innovation. it's not. ideas are easy and dumb. implementation is when things get hairy.

 

[bradl]

Another thing to consider...

What if another fingerprint used for TouchID is on your phone? For example, wife's, children? While they should generally be deemed 'safe', since it is the same iPhone that is paired to the Mac, their fingerprint could be used to unlock your Mac.

I would assume some sort of controls would be in place on that, n'est-ce pas? Otherwise, this could be susceptible to exploit. And I know I'm playing the doomsday card here, but the concept and situation could truly exist.

BL.

 

[Apple_Robert]

so I'm going to go get my phone to unlock my laptop... the thing I have right in front of me and my hands are on it. Why?.

This feature, if it comes to fruition, would be handy for many people in public places or in private places where one doesn't want family members messing around on the Mac, when one leaves the room etc.

Just because you and others don't see a need for such a feature, that doesn't mean that it is without some kind of merit to other people.
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I really like Mac ID which does this.

It is a very good app, even though it has some quirks from time to time. I have been using it since it first came out.
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So instead of just putting touch ID into the MacBook, I have to buy this adapter called an iPhone?!

You don't have to buy anything you don't want to.

 

[weup togo]

A mild evolution of something Salling Clicker shipped for Mac users 13 years ago? Better late than never, I guess.