‘Digital tattoo’ uses NFC to unlock handsets
23 July, 2014
category: Contactless, Digital ID, NFC
Last year Motorola unveiled “Skip” an NFC-enabled clip that can be used to unlock the company’s flagship device, the Moto X. Now VivaLnk is selling a digital tattoo to unlock handsets.
Users apply the nickel-sized tattoos to the wrist and are then able to unlock the device by holding the smart phone to the tattoo. When worn by the smart phone user, Digital Tattoo provides electronic authentication to unlock the phone for use. They last for five days – depending on a user’s activity level — and are sold in 10-packs for $9.99.
The technology was developed with Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects. VivaLnk (pronounced: Veeva-Link) has developed eSkin technology where electronics, in an ultra-thin and flexible material, communicate with a user’s smartphone wirelessly. Digital Tattoo is a disposable product and can be worn for approximately five days at a time and then replaced with another Digital Tattoo.
After setting up Moto X, you will separately activate a Digital Tattoo. Simply tap the back of Moto X to your Digital Tattoo and follow the onscreen instructions. For the first activation, you will be prompted to re-enter your existing PIN and to set a master PIN. For the remaining activations of the same tattoo you pair the tattoo and tap to activate.
Motorola’s Skip is the same basic concept but instead of a tattoo it’s a fob that can be attached to clothes or placed in certain spots where it would be convenient. The Skip sells for $9.99 each on the Motorola web site.
