For almost a year it’s been strongly suspected and reported that Microsoft is building facial recognition technology into Windows 8 (unless you have an evil identical twin).
A "detect human presence" API is in an early copy of Windows 8, according to an article on Slashgear which links back to leaked Windows 8 images published by Windows8Italia of W8 M1.
NetworkWorld reported the following:
“By 2012 sensors such as microphones, cameras, GPS, accelerometers, and temperature and magnetic sensors will be common in most PCs, allowing Windows 8 to interact with the user's environment in new and interesting ways.
One scenario uses facial recognition software to verify a user's identity.
"Amish walks into his home office," Microsoft writes in one of many fictional scenarios outlined in the Windows 8 slide decks. "The proximity sensor on his PC detects motion, and wakes the PC. By the time Amish sits down, his PC is powered up. It scans his face and logs him in. Finally, when Amish gets up and leaves, his PC notices that he's gone and locks itself and powers down."
Password memory may also obviate the need for remembering passwords across multiple websites which would make work a lot easier.
"Password pain has reached a tipping point," Microsoft says. "Windows 8 could include a way to securely store usernames and passwords, simplifying the online experience."
It had better be one extremely secure browser (ie10) and OS, or major security and identity problems will ensue.
“That squares with another part of what Windows8Italia is reporting. According to a Google translation, the early build of Windows 8 suggests it "will be possible to access the personalization, bookmarks and content from any computer."
Kinect and Xbox Live already offer facial recognition, it should be noted, and built in cameras are standard in most computers. How difficult would it be to put facial detection into Win8? I wonder. Lenovo has offered facial recognition.
Warning: Windows8Italia offers an app “to unlock the secrets of Windows8”:
“As you read, a few days after the first leak in build 7850 of Windows 8, were already unlocked many hidden features of the new operating system. To enable them you need to make changes to the registry, its operations are not for everyone. So we of Windows 8 Italy , in collaboration with @ FrayxRulex, we decided to develop a practical tool, strictly in Metro-Design , and start to unlock all the secret functions of Windows 8 M1.”
I don’t recommend this, although the comments on the article seem positive. I don’t know what this app does to the registry. If you feel very “adventurous” make a system restore point and a registry backup before playing with it.
Sources:
1. http://tinyurl.com/3odwdun
2. http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/8-amazing-things-youll-do-windows-8