Vista and Windows 7 (32/64 bit) users can now utilize Blink, a facial recognition utility which enables one to log-into their computer using a webcam. Users can still log-in using their passwords, as Blink records password log-ins, reports CyberNet News.

“You can login day or night…Grow a beard or mustache, or shave it off. Use makeup or dye your hair. Wear or remove glasses or contact lenses – Blink! will recognize your and let you login to your PC, no matter what.”

Blink! earned itself a fairly good review, but no software is glitch-proof, and any problem that may arise due to its use would probably be particularly uncomfortable.  It’s quite sophisticated on the exterior with a ‘high convenience’ mode comparing log-in webcam snapshots with previous ones, a convenient password-unlocking feature, and more.  However, it may not be the best singular choice for individuals with particularly sensitive or valuable information stored on their machine.

Some of Blink’s primary features:

• Reliable Login under Varying Conditions
  You can login day or night. Sophisticated face recognition algorithms automatically adjust for varying lighting conditions, making login possible whether window or artificial lighting is used.
• New Haircut? Swapping Glasses for Contacts? No Problem!
  Advanced biometric identification algorithms used enable it to adjust to changes in your personal appearance. Grow a beard or mustache, or shave it off. Use makeup or dye your hair. Wear or remove glasses or contact lenses – Blink! will recognize your and let you login to your PC, no matter what.
• Improved Security
  Say goodbye to those long, complex passwords demanded by your corporate security policy. With Blink!, you can sign into your account by simply looking at a webcam. There are no false positives and no delays in authorizing access.
• Catch Identity Thieves
  Blink! provides additional security benefits by making it easier for you to automatically unlock your PCs by simply looking into a webcam. Stolen passwords are becoming less of an issue as Blink! photographs and timestamps you every time you login, whether you use a password or a biometric sign-in. Journaling account logins helps identify hijacked accounts and can determine who logged in using stolen credentials.

Luxand, the developer behind the Blink! utility may have a chance of reaching the spot-light, but utilities come and go, and Blink! truly needs to excel to reach the next ‘Top 5’ list, both in terms of software quality and effective marketing, especially in light of all the freeware circulating in the market.