SmartSafe is the latest in a line of wearable that will be able to provide an extra factor of authentication online. The security device is by French startup Ionosys and it encrypts and stores identifying information like passwords and is activated by the owner’s biometric data – a fingerprint and pulse.

A few years ago, nobody would imagine that contactless smart cards could be replaced. They were popular because of the convenience they offer in security, identification and variety of applications like access control, time & attendance or vending. Nevertheless, their unique position is put into question as today’s smartphones can do more than just writing short messages and making phone calls.

According to Goode Intelligence, biometric authentication in Smart Mobile Devices – smart phones, phablets and tablets – is becoming a common feature. The consultancy issued an update to its report forecasting that by 2019 there will be 604 million users of wearable biometric technology globally.

Starwood Preferred Guest members will be able to skip the check-in desk and use SPG Keyless, an application that uses Bluetooth low energy to access their rooms. The system is rolling out in 10 hotels in markets including Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Doha in Quatar.

HID Global and Datawatch Systems Inc. have created a demonstration suite at 555 12th Street N.W, in downtown Washington D.C, where prospective tenants can preview the property’s mobile access control capabilities that are integrated with other technology in the multi-tenant building.

Employees at Netflix used Bluetooth low energy on different Samsung and Apple smart phones for physical access control. The company used HID Global’s Mobile Access solution along with the company’s “Twist and Go” gesture technology.

News from ASIS: HID Global released the HID Mobile Access solution, which delivers a secure and convenient way to open doors and gates while introducing a simple secure identity management process. Quantum Secure’s new SAFE for Secure Cloud is designed to provide small and medium-sized business users with a cost-effective physical identity access management solution that can increase security across multiple business operations.

Motorola’s first generation “Skip” used NFC so users could skip entering a PIN or pattern for access to the handset. But reports indicate that the second generation will use Bluetooth Low Energy for that and additional functionality.

Near field communication has been an “emerging” technology for half a decade and some are tired of waiting for it to become truly mainstream. Some are pointing to Bluetooth low-energy as an alternative to NFC while others say the two technologies may be complimentary.

Bluetooth low energy has been included in the majority of smart phones for the past couple of years and is emerging as a complement or even replacement to NFC, WiFi, and bar code technologies.