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So you use a PIN to make sure nobody can unlock your phone unless they know your code. But what if someone sees your code by looking over your shoulder?
The developers at Cyanogen have introduced a new security tool that lets you scramble the digits that show up on your lock screen, making it a little harder for someone to figure out your PIN code by watching the pattern you tap out with your fingers… since that pattern will be different every time.
Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web. You can keep up on the latest news by following Liliputing on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.
- Cyanogen introduces Scramble PIN lock screen layout
The feature will be baked into Cyanogen OS, which is the commercial version of CyanogenMod used for phones like the OnePlus One. [@CyanogenMod] - Asus Bluetooth remote for Android TV box hits the Bluetooth SIG
The device is described as a Bluetooth 4.0 remote with voice input for Android Set Top Box. That could be the remote that comes with the Google Nexus Player, or it could be a remote for a new Android TV box from Asus. [Bluetooth] - Mozilla releases Firefox for Developers: a web browser designed around built-in web dev tools
There’s nothing stopping non-developers from using it, but you could also just use plain old Firefox. [Mozilla Hacks] - Mozilla releases Firefox OS 2.0 dev preview for the Flame dev phone
The update brings support for NFC and for hardware-accelerated H.264 video decoding over WebRTC, among other things. [Mozilla Hacks] - Withings Activité fitness tracking watch goes up for pre-order… for $450
The upcoming activity tracker from Withings will be one of the most expensive devices you can use to track your steps… but it’s also one of the nicest looking. It’s probably best to think of the Activité as an expensive watch that has a few extra tricks. [Withings] - Meegopad T01 sub-$100 Windows PC-on-a-stick demonstrated on video
The MeegoPad T01 is a tiny HDMI stick that you can plug directly into a TV. It’s powered by an Intel Atom Bay Trail processor and runs Windows 8.1, making it one of the smallest desktop Windows computers you’re likely to find. There’s also an Android version called the Meegopad M1. Here’s what the Windows model looks like in action. [PadNews]
Yes, likely a problem with patents. I saw an article on “Tri-Pin” which looked really really good. Only downside that I’ve heard is that it isn’t user friendly for anyone who is visually impaired…no braille option.
The ever-changing set of 3 symbols / colors / numbers means a new scrambled combination each time. There IS a finite combination if your presses are filmed, but hopefully your account locks before they try too many of them.
https://www.tri-pin.com/
https://gizmodo.com/the-future-of-pin-could-involve-color-and-shape-buttons-1509670607
I fail to see how this is a good idea. Instead of a quick gesture, you now have to look at the screen and slowly enter your unlock code, ensuring that someone looking over your shoulder gets ample time to look at it.
I’m a little surprised this scrambling wasn’t done before in stock. I’ve had it in at least two online services in the past (one a European bank). Maybe the concept is patent encumbered?