Two screenshots of the Windows 7 control panel popped up recently which were showing a new function called Windows Sensors. The current menus unfortunately offer no real clues about this new feature, the help simply states: Programs on your computer can communicate with your Windows compatible sensors.

Listed in the same menu are Windows Media Player and the Windows Live Inbox. The screen also contains a Gadgets section that is showing the installed gadgets. It seems to be a new way of communication between applications that are running in Windows 7 and gadgets that are connecting to the computer.

Speculations have been started by Mary-Jo Foley who was the first to write an article about the newly discovered feature which offered several explanations and applications for the feature. She connected it to the touch screen feature, other household devices that would be controlled by Windows 7 and mobile devices. More than 140 comments added more speculation but none mentioned the most likely explanation which is called Windows Home Concept by Microsoft.

Windows Home Concept:

Microsoft published the white paper “Hardware Innovation for Windows - Platform and component design for Microsoft® Windows® Operating Systems - Windows Home Concept” which includes several hints that connect Windows Sensors to this concept:

Microsoft is working with industry partners to research compelling innovations for PCs that substantially change computing experiences. A new concept prototype that exemplifies these innovations for home computing is the Microsoft® Windows® Home Concept. The Windows Home Concept design embodies a convergence of future capabilities to provide compelling home entertainment, media management, and communication experiences, making the PC the ideal technology hub for the home.

The white paper mentions Biometric Sensors which “provides user identification and authentication”. It continues..

The Windows Home Concept uses biometric sensors on both the Home Tablet PC and the Home Center Remote for identity and authentication purposes. The sensor allows the user to access personalized information, such as playlists and favorites. Although biometric algorithms are not yet mature enough for secure access (such as domain logon), fingerprint readers can establish identity among a limited number of people, such as the members of a household, and it can offer parental controls.

A biometric fingerprint reader is especially suited for gaining identity on devices, such as a remote control, that don’t require login; for these types of devices, identity is established through the login process. Current cost of goods for fingerprint readers are under $10, averaging approximately $5 per unit.

This would fit perfectly with the two applications that are listed in the Windows Sensor menu. Authentication for Windows Mail and Playlists for Windows Media Player.

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