CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 06/13/2005
- Released on: 05/01/2005
Once you install the OmniPass software from the bundled CD, you're asked to register your fingerprint; the application lets you input up to 20 unique users or fingers to scan. A small groove at the center of the mouse houses the sensor that scans fingerprints, and in our tests, it was foolproof. The OmniPass software lets you store an unlimited number of passwords, and it also enables one-touch file or folder encryption--just right-click the item you want to protect and select OmniPass Encrypt File, and the next attempt to access the file will require a finger scan for authorization.
When we used the Biometric Mouse to sign in to Yahoo Messenger, an OmniPass pop-up window emerged from our system tray, asking if we wanted to save our login information. After entering and saving our information, we were able to subsequently log in with just the swipe of a finger.
Users of Mozilla Firefox won't have it so easy, however. When we tried logging in to our Gmail account through the browser, the software failed to recognize the login page. We switched to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, and OmniPass instantly recognized the site and saved our login information. APC says it will add Firefox support this fall, but for now Firefox users will have to switch to IE for compatibility.
Continue reading