Microsoft's upcoming Modern Keyboard to also get a Fingerprint Reader

A month ago we wrote about a new Microsoft-branded Bluetooth accessory which has passed through the Bluetooth SIG.  The Microsoft Modern Keyboard was listed on the 31st March 2017 and appeared to be the same device as the Microsoft C3K1780 keyboard which has jut received FCC certification on the 9th March 2017, in which case the keyboard appears to be a wireless desktop model like the Surface Studio keyboard with likely a full set of keys including a numeric keypad. According to that documentation, the keyboard also included a convenient USB wired mode, and it appears to use a rechargeable battery rather than AA cells.

Now the Bluetooth SIG listing has been updated, on the 1/5/2017 to include a mention of a fingerprint reader, with the device now being named the “Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID” and being described as a “BTLE Keyboard with Fingerprint enroll feature.” Microsoft at present does not sell a desktop keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader, though this feature is present in several touch covers, and would give users access to Windows Hello without needing to line up with a Windows Hello camera.

Given the trend, I think it is also safe to assume the keyboard will be covered in Microsoft’s favourite new material, Alcantara.

The keyboard may be revealed at Microsoft’s upcoming hardware event in China on the 23rd May, with the new Surface Pro also expected to be released here.

See the Bluetooth certification here and the FCC certification here.