Windows 10 to get biometric sensor support with 'Windows Hello'

©Image: ExtremeTech

Microsoft is trying to move beyond the present password system with its upcoming O.S Windows 10 by introducing a new feature called Windows Hello. That's the general term this technical giant is using to describe a set of biometric identification technologies, including facial recognition, iris scanning and fingerprint readers. These features will also be extended into the online world with Microsoft Passport thus trying to remove the need of typing a password ever again.

When it launches later this year, Windows 10 will include software support for Windows Hello, but it sounds like you’re going to need some specific hardware to take full advantage of it. Fingerprint readers are well-established, so any computer mobile device that has the necessary hardware will be able to use the built-in Windows Hello security features. The face and iris scanning, on the other hand, are probably going to require a new computer or add-on.


The facial recognition engine is based on technology used in the Kinect Xbox camera. It relies on IR illumination to capture more points of reference on the face and operate in a wider range of lighting conditions. It can even see past a beard or makeup that might confuse other systems. Microsoft says the system is very good at only unlocking for you, but what about a photograph of you? The IR camera should also be able to tell the difference between a real face and the photo. By comparison, the Trusted Face system on newer Android phones can still be fooled by a picture of the owner.

Microsoft is also working to make Hello an important part of the Microsoft Passport single sign-in service. So, let’s say you’ve got a Windows 10 PC with a front-facing IR camera and facial recognition set up. After the machine verifies that you are indeed who you claim to be, it will automatically authenticate with Passport. Any site, app, or service that integrates Passport should then allow you immediate access from that device without typing a password.

Passport doesn’t have to transmit your face or fingerprint anywhere to log you into websites, though. All the recognition happens locally first — then Passport cryptographically authenticates you with compatible services. If an Internet ne’er-do-well were to gain access to the information stored on a Passport-enabled website’s server, all they would get is your public encryption key, which isn’t of any use.

Microsoft is working with OEMs to make sure there are Hello-compatible systems available when Windows 10 launches. There will also be some advanced webcams like the Intel RealSense F200 that can be plugged into existing computers to allow face and iris scanning.

Microsoft Office 2016 scheduled to launch in second half of 2015

Recently Microsoft launched the detail and Technical preview of it's much hyped OS  'Windows 10' and  at this event Microsoft also surprised the user,tech personality and media personal by the latest version and attractive interface  of it's most famous office application 'Microsoft Office 2016' .Right now the date is not disclosed by Microsoft but there is a rumour in Tech street that Office will be available on mid of 2015
Microsoft office 2016 will be a new touch-centric version.

This week Microsoft also took to the Office blog to share some additional info - and to reveal that the next version, Office 2016, is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2015.

The new Office apps are universal, offering a unified experience across smartphones, tablets and desktop and laptop PCs, Microsoft has demonstrated.

The next step

"Over the past 12 months, you've seen us reimagine the traditional Office experience for a mobile-first, cloud-first world," Microsoft Office Product Management General Manager Julia White wrote in the post.

"The next step in this journey is the delivery of touch and mobile optimized versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook for Windows 10," she continued.

The apps will be installed out of the box on phones and small tablets (meaning sub-8-inches), and available as a download on other devices. In addition they'll will be available with the next Windows 10 Technical Preview, arriving "in the coming weeks."

The Xbox One will finally be more integrated with Windows

Windows 10 Technical Preview New Build ISO Dwnload

Follow these steps to download Technical Preview:

• Sign up for the Windows Insider Program, if you haven't already.
• Read the system requirements.
• Click one of the Download links on this page to download a special file—it's called an ISO file—that you can use to install the preview.
• When the download is complete, transfer the ISO file to installation media such as a USB flash drive or DVD.
• Double-tap or double-click setup.exe from the installation media, and then follow the steps.

Important

• • The easiest way to convert an ISO file to a DVD is to use Windows Disc Image Burner.
  • Remember, trying out an early build like this can be risky. That's why we recommend that you don't install the preview on your primary home or business PC. Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything.
  • If you want to stop using Windows 10 Technical Preview and return to your previous version of Windows, you'll need to reinstall your previous version from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC—typically a DVD. If you don't have recovery media, you might be able to create recovery media from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. You'll need to do this before you upgrade. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer's website for more info.
  • After you install Windows 10 Technical Preview, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.

Download links

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Before you install :-

A preview for PC experts

Windows 10 Technical Preview is here today, but it’s a long way from done. We’re going to make it faster, better, more fun at parties...you get the idea. Join the Windows Insider Program to make sure you get all the new features that are on the way. If you’re okay with a moving target and don’t want to miss out on the latest stuff, keep reading. Technical Preview could be just your thing.

Download and install the preview only if you

• Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.
• Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.
• Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.
• Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.
• Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.

We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.

Things to keep in mind

Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything. Some printers and other hardware might not work, and some software might not install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs. You might also have trouble connecting to home or corporate networks.

Also, if your PC runs into problems, Microsoft will likely examine your system files. If the privacy of your system files is a concern, consider using a different PC. For more info, read our privacy statement.

What does it work with?

Technical Preview should work with the same devices and programs that work with Windows 8.1, but you might need to update or reinstall some of them.

Drivers for basic functions like storage, networking, input, and display come with Windows. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You might be able to get more drivers from Windows Update.

For compatibility info, see the Windows 8.1 Compatibility Center.

If you use a mouse and keyboard

Your apps and devices should work as expected, though of course there will be exceptions. We’d love to know what you think about how the new Windows works with mouse and keyboard and whether it provides the best of new and familiar functionality for Windows and apps.

If you have a touch PC

Technical Preview works with touch, but some things will be rough and unfinished. More touch-friendly improvements are on the way. In the meantime, let us know what it’s like to interact with Windows and apps in the preview.

If you want to go back to your previous operating system

You'll need to reinstall your version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically DVD media). If you don't have recovery media:

• For Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Before you update, you might be able to create recovery media from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer's website for more info.
• For Windows 8.1 or Windows 8: You might be able to create a USB recovery drive. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive. If you didn’t create a USB recovery drive before you installed the preview, you can create installation media forWindows 8.1.