Passwords are a tricky thing. You need to be able to remember them, but the human brain has a tricky time with the best passwords: seemingly random combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords can also be cracked with ease by dedicated criminals. Recently, companies and users are both moving away from the traditional password security model, and leaning towards systems that offer additional security, such as device-based proximity login, or facial recognition login. One app that offers facial recognition control for your private data is FastAccess Anywhere, developed by Sensible Vision Inc.

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

If you’re tired of having to type long passwords on the iPhone’s tiny virtual keyboard, FastAccess Anywhere lets you access your password protected content using facial recognition instead. The app is also available for iPad and computer users.

Pros

• More than just a novelty product: holding up a picture of your face won’t work as a way to fool this tool
• Works in low light conditions
• Face recognition is blended with a “secret shape” passcode for added security
• Set up access for one website on your iPhone, and it will be available on any of your other devices (or vice versa)
• Quickly access your saved password sites from the menu bar tab in the browser

Cons

• As explained on the App Store page, “Due to the iPhone’s design, FastAccess can only work within its own web browser.”
• You still need to remember your FastAccess password, as you will be prompted for it as the app learns your face (lighting changes, adding glasses, or changes in weight can prompt the app to “learn your face better.”)

Discussion

As someone who routinely mis-enters my passwords when I’m dealing with mobile banking sites or other password protected sites, I was really interested in the facial recognition login that FastAccess Anywhere offers. Thankfully, FastAccess Anywhere’s facial recognition works very fast, and within seconds.

That being said, this app can sometimes have trouble recognizing faces. Low-light conditions aren’t an issue, since the app shines light on your face from the screen to combat low-light issues. However, changes in your appearance or camera angle can sometimes prompt the app to ask you to prove your identity with your FastAccess password. If you use the app without glasses and then put your glasses on, this can prompt this issue. The app uses this as a way to “learn your face better.”

I’m really impressed that, unlike novelty face recognition programs, this one is tough to fool with a picture of your face. Plus, the “secret shape” portion of the app is a great added layer of identity verification.

Conclusion and download link

If you hate having to remember long passwords for different sites, are wary of people seeing your passwords when you type them in a public place, or just hate using such a small keyboard, FastAccess Anywhere facial recognition is a clever way to make your face into your passcode. This app has some limitations, but facial recognition is a huge timesaver and clearly the way of the future, so check it out and see if you like it as much as the millions of other FastAccess users.

Price: Free

Version reviewed: 13.03.29

Supported OS: Requires iOS 5.0 or later

Download size: 9.5 MB

Face Recognition-FastAccess for Phones on Apple App Store