Google Will Replace Its Bluetooth Security Keys with NFC Models

On August 10th, Google will launch a new Titan USB-C NFC security key to pair with the recently-released USB-A NFC key. Because these new NFC models are easier to use than Google’s old Bluetooth Titan keys, the company will stop selling its old Bluetooth models once the new USB-C key goes on sale.

Google’s Titan security keys add two-factor authentication to your computer or tablet. Even if someone has your PC’s password, for example, they can’t get past your lock screen without using the security key to verify their identity.

The company’s first Titan security keys used Bluetooth to connect with a smartphone and verify the user’s identity. But Bluetooth can be a bit unreliable, and because it works at a distance, it isn’t always secure.

Now that most phones support NFC, Google’s in a good position to ditch its Bluetooth security keys. NFC is reliable and only works at a short distance, so you must hover your phone over the Titan security key to verify your identity. Plus, NFC hardware takes up very little space, so Google’s new Titan keys are a lot smaller than the old Bluetooth models.

If hovering your phone over a security key sounds annoying, then you have until August 10th to buy one of Google’s Bluetooth Titan keys (or just buy a Bluetooth key from another brand). Google says that its new USB-C security key will cost $40, while the USB-A model costs just $25. Both versions work with computers and iPads.