Your next keyboard could have a fingerprint scanner built right into it.
Microsoft has put up product pages for two new Surface accessories - the Modern Keyboard and the Modern Mouse.
For the new Modern Keyboard, the company has built a fingerprint reader right into the keyboard, similar to Apple's offering on the Macbook Pro. The fingerprint scanner looks like any other key, is located between Alt and Ctrl keys on the keyboard, and gives users a new way to log into their Surface devices.
The built-in fingerprint scanner is just one of many ways users can log into their devices. Microsoft also currently offers a tool called Windows Hello, which allows users to log in with facial, iris, or fingerprint recognition.
Microsoft called the aluminum keyboard “virtually indestructible.” The keyboard works with Bluetooth and can also be connected directly. It’s compatible with Windows 10, 8.1 and 8, the Windows 10 phone, Android 4.4.2-5.0, Mac OS 10.10.5,Mac OS 10.10.5/10.11.1, and 10.11.4 and iOS8.1-9.2.1. The devices must support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.
Two AAA rechargeable batteries are included, which give the keyboard a battery life of up to 2 months on full charge. The keyboard weighs 14.8 ounces.
The Modern Keyboard isn't the company's only upgraded accessory. The Modern Mouse uses Bluetooth 4.0 as well and is an aesthetic upgrade from the company's previous offerings.
The Modern Mouse will retail for $49.99 and the Modern Keyboard will be $129.99. Both devices are “coming soon“ with no other information from Microsoft.
