SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Using the palm of their hands, Epson MOVERIO® Smart Glasses users can now get to work or play in a flash, authenticating themselves more rapidly and accurately than current approaches. Redrock Biometrics, an innovator in biometric solutions, and Epson, a leading provider of AR headsets, have partnered to bring PalmID® to the MOVERIO Smart Glasses Platform as the first biometric authentication solution for a consumer AR headset.
PalmID uses the front facing camera built into the MOVERIO BT-300 Smart Glasses to convert the palm image into a unique signature, authenticating the user in a fraction of the time it takes to enter a password, with much less error. In addition to a device unlock app for current MOVERIO BT-300 users, the PalmID SDK enables MOVERIO developers to build AR applications with secure biometric authentication for features such as secure sign in, in-app purchases and access to security-sensitive assets.
This new authentication approach creates new revenue opportunities for the developer and improves the user experience:
- Gamers can make secure in-game purchases without leaving the experience,
- Companies can provide individualized access to sensitive drone-based apps and data,
- All users save time by avoiding repetitive logins and authentication errors on a headset or smartphone.
“Epson collaborated with Redrock Biometrics to create an even more attractive platform for developers to build new games and applications,” said Leon Laroue, technical product manager at Epson America. “The ability to use biometric authentication opens the door to increased interactivity without disrupting the AR experience.”
Analysts at IDC predict worldwide spending on augmented and virtual reality will reach $17.8 billion in 2018, but there is currently no easy authentication method for AR or VR headsets, limiting the potential for in-experience monetization due to lack of secure functionality.
“When using augmented or virtual reality headsets the face and eyes are covered and therefore not available for authentication. Fingerprint scanners require additional hardware built into the headset and blindly swiping, making them inconvenient and error prone. Palm-based biometrics provides the ideal combination of security and user experience for these devices,” said Hua Yang, co-founder and CEO of Redrock Biometrics. “Epson has been a pioneer in AR, continuously pushing the industry forward. The PalmID SDK is another big step in bringing hands-free AR experiences to the masses.”
BT-300 headset users can download the PalmID app for free in the MOVERIO Apps Market starting May 11, 2018.
For developers interested in PalmID, contact Redrock Biometrics to get started with the SDK today: http://www.redrockbiometrics.com/#contact
To learn more about becoming a developer for Epson MOVERIO smart glasses, contact the Epson America team at: https://epson.com/moverio-contact-us.
About Redrock Biometrics
Redrock Biometrics, Inc. is the creator of PalmID®, a patented palm-based authentication software development kit and platform. PalmID is the first commercially-available solution combining high-performance, secure, contactless and affordable biometrics for virtually any device with a camera - with enrollment portability – the ability for users to enroll with PalmID once and be automatically enrolled across all devices with PalmID installed. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco. To learn more about Redrock Biometrics or request a demo visit: www.redrockbiometrics.com.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 80,000 employees in 86 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
