Voice-activated payments have been launched on the ING Netherlands
mobile banking app, offering a simple alternative to entering a pin or
password.
Users simply have to say a short phrase, and the app will match up the
sound recording to a file stored on the phone.
The shape of vocal cavities and the way someone moves their mouth means
that speech can be more unique than a fingerprint, it is claimed.
Fraudulent attempts to access the app can be recorded, stored and used
to improve security.
And while the technology is new for mobile banking, it is used widely on
bank phone systems to reduce fraud.
The Associated Press reported last year that US government departments
even use it when people call to deal with tax and pension issues.
A biometrics company called Nuance is providing the speech-recognition
technology for ING Netherlands.
The system launched on Tuesday, and is available on iOS and Android
phones.
Making digital payments easier is a big focus of banks and financial
services providers.
Apple recently launched fingerprint-activated Apple Pay in the UK, while
others have experimented with wristbands which measure heartbeat.