Microsoft likely to launch two face-recognition webcams in 2019

Microsoft may be planning Windows 10 ultra-HD webcams for 2019. — AFP Relaxnews

Microsoft has a couple of ultra-HD webcams in the pipeline for 2019. According to industry blogger Paul Thurrott, the tech giant is set to release one model for Windows 10 PCs and another for the Xbox One.

The first of these new devices will enable PC owners to take advantage of biometric authentication based on the Windows Hello platform.

Until now this technology, which allows for face, iris and fingerprint recognition, has only been available on computers in the Microsoft Surface range. The goal is to extend this functionality to any machine running Windows 10. But whether this expanded feature set will be enough to convince regular users to pay for a second webcam remains uncertain.

The new model for the Xbox One will offer face recognition, which will allow players to log in automatically simply by moving in front of the camera. The feature will also be available to multiple users, which will expedite the launch of gaming sessions.

Both the cameras, expected to launch in 2019, will be USB-C compatible. – AFP Relaxnews