Car-opening ring a Token gesture

One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them. –Lord of the Rings

US Biometric security company Token have launched a ‘Token Ring’ this week, that's Token not Tolkein as in the Lord Of The Rings author. The company Token have channelled their inner Frodo while pushing the wearable technology craze to new heights.

The all-encompassing ring, available in sterling silver, rose gold and black, is embedded with a unique fingerprint sensor and Bluetooth connectivity. It promises to be the only ring you’ll ever need, enabling users to safely authorise transactions, sign in to computers and start cars. The waterproof ring includes a battery that can last up to two weeks and costs $249 for preorder.

The idea is to slide on the ring in the morning and the sensor will verify your identity with a fingerprint scan. Anytime the ring is removed; the proximity sensors will lock credentials and only reactivate them when the fingerprint of the original user is detected. A rainbow-colored LED pulse means the ring recognises the ID, while a red flash means it’s rejected.

“Token allows you to prove who you are – from your front door to your office to the grocery store – while simultaneously protecting your information with advanced cryptography,” said Token co-founder Melanie Shapiro in a statement.

To make all of this possible, Token has had to rely on third-party partnerships and is currently working with Mastercard, Microsoft and Visa. Token is using Microsoft's Windows ‘Hello authentication technology’ to enable ring-wearers to automatically log in to Windows 10 devices.

With a separately-sold car plug (for an extra $100), the ring can be programmed to connect to your car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and work with any car with a smart button. The user will be required to send Token their spare key so they can design a car lock.

What about those who don’t drive? Last week, Sydney man Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow had the NFC chip from his Opal card encased in a bio-compatible plastic and implanted in his left hand. The obscure idea allows him to tap on by waving his hand over the bus and train scanners. And if someone were to steal his wallet, he will still be able to get home.

Unfortunately, the implanted card requires several swipes to actually work as the implantation has impacted its reliability. And there’s the risk of infection from implanting the card under the skin.

The rest of us shouldn’t have to resort to such measures as the Token ring can also be used to instantly access public transit in 40 systems around the world, with 20 more due in 2018.

The idea of slipping on this ring appears to be an easy alternative to remembering a host of passwords and carrying around several keys. But the burning question is this: do you really want your entire life’s security wrapped around your finger?