Does the Apple Watch spell the end for passwords? The answer may be “yes.” The Cupertino, Calif., company’s latest “it” device is blowing up the “wearable technology” category, just as its iPhone did to the smart phone market more than seven years ago.

It’s a short leap from there to proximity-based authentication that does away with any user interaction. That’s already a common feature of automobiles. The Apple Watch or other wearables will greatly expand the possible use cases for such interactions. For example, if the homeowner is at the door and she is wearing the Watch, unlock the door! No need to put down the groceries. Predictions of just this sort were being made long before anyone had an inkling of what the Apple Watch would look like or how it would work.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here