Motorola has launched a new NFC-based clip that, when worn by the owner, will allow them to use their smartphone without having to unlock the device.
The new Motorola Skip clip, which will ship with the US-only Moto X phone, will pair with the device in order to by-pass the security settings.
The company is encouraging users to place the thumb sized fob on their sleeve or or attach it to another part of their clothing.
The idea is, that if the phone is lost or stolen, the security settings will kick-in again and the device will not be vulnerable to unwanted intrusion.
To make it even easier, each Motorola Clip will come with 3 NFC-aided stickers that users can attach in familiar places to create “trusted zones” where passwords or pins would also be deemed unnecessary.
They could be the bedroom, car dashboard or office (however, the latter might not be a good idea if work colleagues are prone to social networking pranks).
“There are three Skip dots included with each Skip. Skip dots are stickers that, like Skip, provide authentication and also create “trusted zones” for Touchless Control. Try a Skip dot on your dashboard, your nightstand, or your desk at work. Just tap your Moto X to the Skip dot, and your phone is unlocked.
“Place your phone on the bedside Skip dot, “OK, Google Now, set alarm for 7 a.m.,” or place it on a Skip dot in the kitchen, “OK Google Now, what is cardamom?” the company write in a blog post on Friday.
The Skip, which is the first fruit of Motorola’s Advanced Technology & Projects group, aims to maintain a device’s security while removing the hassle that comes with that safety. Many users don’t bother with pins at all or choose simple, easily-guessable passwords like “0000”, Moto says.
The company estimates the average user unlocks their device around 40 times a day, while for power users its closer to 200. Would you like to have the Skip at your disposal for your iOS or Android gadget? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
