Windows 10 authentication made easy with new feature
The so-called Microsoft Modern Keyboard, codenamed C3K1780, showed up in official FCC documents with new details that indicate more features that the software giant is planning in order to align with its Windows 10 push.
Specifically, the new keyboard could be similar to the Surface keyboard that Microsoft launched together with the Surface Studio in the fall of the last year, but instead feature some extra options as well. For instance, Microsoft appears to be going for a built-in battery that can be recharged, rather than for AA batteries, and there’s a good chance the keyboard will support a USB wired mode that would make it possible to be used when recharging.
A more interesting feature, however, is the fingerprint sensor, which Microsoft will most likely use to allow users to configure Windows Hello without the need for a dedicated infrared camera.
The fingerprint sensor will probably be placed in a convenient position near the numeric keypad and will support easy authentication to the desktop, as it’s the case on a number of laptops featuring such hardware.
There’s also a good chance that Microsoft will go for premium quality with the keyboard, so it might feature exquisite materials like Alcantara as well – more recently, the company took the wraps off the Surface Laptop, whose keyboard is also covered in Alcantara, so Microsoft could go for the same materials for more of its keyboards as well.
While an ETA as to when it could launch or pricing information is not yet available, Microsoft will be holding a new event on May 23 in Shanghai when a Surface upgrade and other accessories could see daylight. So there’s also a chance this keyboard goes live next week though, with sales likely to begin next month.
