Microsoft files patent application for notebook trackpoint with fingerprint ID

Microsoft has filed an application for a patent that shows a concept for a notebook trackpoint that has features such as a fingerprint ID that could be used with the Windows Hello security feature in Windows 10.

As shown on Free Patents Online (via: Frawin), the application was filed by Microsoft in December 2015. It also shows that this new trackpoint could also incorporate different types of finger pressure levels. In theory, this kind of technology could allow the trackpoint to open up files and menus in apps depending on the level of force placed on it.

It's important to note that a patent application does not mean Microsoft is actively developing such a trackpoint as a real commercial device, but it does show that the company at least has some ideas on where this type of feature could be used in the future.