First commercially available 'smart guns' are available for sale in the US
First commercially available 'smart guns' are available for sale in the US
The Broomfield-based company Biofire has produced a gun that can only be used by someone with the right fingerprint or face scan. Experts have differing visions of what a post-smart gun world might look like.
If it works that’ll be fantastic, though I imagine always working quickly in all circumstances is a tough order to deliver on.
They have two methods right now, finger print and face scan. If either method verifies, then the gun authenticates. It's designed for indoor use rather than daily carry. The face scan camera uses an infra red light projector to illuminate your face in dark conditions and rain (if you have to go outside for some reason, not recommended)
So, in the specific circumstances of being a gun you leave on the night stand and don't carry around everywhere it seems pretty good. I wish it had a third verification method though.
In addition to fast and reliable authentication in an emergency, the other issue smart gun manufacturers need to pay attention to is how secure they are. For example, here is a video showing a security researcher thoroughly defeating a different type of smart gun with methods that allow unauthorized firing and even preventing the owner from firing.
Still it's interesting to see the tech develop from science fiction to something real.
As a gun owner, frequent sport shooter, and occasional hunter, I actually don't mind this.
The old insane NJ law was taken off the books, and this thing isn't designed for daily carry. It's meant to be a desk gun or table gun you can just leave lying out and fully loaded. Indoors, close to its charging station, the combo of fingerprint scanner and face scanner (either authenticates) is pretty darn reliable.
I just wish it had another, third method of authentication. It should have 3 ID methods, any of which can authenticate the user, in case the other 2 fail.
I would absolutely get this if I had money and leave it on my desk at all times. As long as no states try to mandate it, thus gating pistol ownership behind finances (it's a multi thousand dollar gun), I'm good with it existing.
It doesn't like up with my 'trodes and or my AR googles, worthless piece of gunk!