Newswise — The next generation of biometric technology launches today with the Nymi, from Bionym, a technology start-up founded by University of Toronto engineering graduates. The Nymi is the world’s first wearable authentication device that uses your unique heartbeat to unlock your identity. The convenient and secure authentication is enabled through an embedded electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor. When the Nymi recognizes your personal ECG, it will communicate your identity to your devices. You remain authenticated until the Nymi is removed. The activated Nymi can then be used to gain access to all registered devices, completely bypassing passwords and PINs for seamless and secure access. Passwords, PINs and even keys and cards will become a thing of the past.
Not only is your ECG entirely unique, but the technology alone is also unlike anything currently on the market. The Nymi empowers users to bring their identity back to the digital world, not as a number, but as a person. Beyond direct access to your technology, the Nymi also allows users to take their identity to a completely interactive level. Simple, task-specific gesture commands allow for a dynamic interactive experience between the user and the technology that surrounds their daily life. Both motion sensing and proximity detection work simultaneously to enhance technological experiences. Something as simple as the twist of a wrist now has the capability to unlock a car or more.
While offering convenience and ease of use, security remains a top priority. The Nymi functions as a three-factor security system. It requires your personalized Nymi, your unique heartbeat, and a smartphone or device that has been registered to the app. This system, and the cutting edge biometrics supporting it, allow for complete security without compromising convenience. By registering with the app, users have the ability to create custom notifications, allowing for seamless connection to emails, texts, social updates and more. The app will be available on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac OSX.
“When it comes to identity, privacy is a chief concern,” said Karl Martin, CEO of Bionym, “The Nymi has been built by the principles of Privacy by Design. This means that each user has complete control over their data and identity. Transparency is very important to Bionym’s culture, and every user has a right to know where their data is going.”
Most importantly, the Nymi is about the future. The unlocked potential of this authentication-based technology is far reaching. The Nymi is looking to interact with developers to create a community that will explore the digital and social opportunities that the Nymi unlocks.
The Nymi will be available for pre-order as of September 3, 2013 for under $100, and will be delivered in early 2014. To find out more about pricing, or to pre-order now please go to www.getnymi.com, or follow us on Twitter @Nymiband.
About Bionym
Bionym is a leader in cutting-edge biometric recognition systems. Bionym develops innovative identity and convenience-based security solutions for modern problems, using revolutionary technologies to protect privacy and ensure data security. Bionym was part of the inaugural cohort of the Creative Destruction Lab at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. In August 2013, Bionym closed $1.4M (CAD) in seed financing, with the majority of the investment via the Creative Destruction Lab “G7” members. Bionym was founded in 2011 and is located in downtown Toronto, Canada.
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