The initiative, called OpenSK, uses Rust-based firmware to essentially turn Nordic chip dongles into a FIDO U2F and FIDO2-compliant security key. Google has also published a source code for users to 3D print a physical case for the dongle, so their security keys look and can be used like standard keys.

In a blog post, Google said it chose Nordic chip dongles because they’re affordable and support all the criteria stipulated by FIDO2 standards, such as NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy. However, the company is hoping to expand OpenSK for other chips as well.

By making these resources available to everyone, Google is helping to advance the password-less security field — people tinkering with their own projects gives rise to innovation, after all. Indeed, Google seems to be looking quite far ahead with OpenSK, noting in its blog post that “While you can make your own fully functional FIDO authenticator today … this release should be considered as an experimental research project to be used for testing and research purposes.” Kjetil Holstad, director of product management at Nordic, meanwhile, says he hopes the collaboration will “help the industry gain mainstream adoption of security keys.”

Apple’s flurry of iOS updates might include one more substantial tweak before the holiday break. Vietnamese carrier Viettel has posted a page that hints at a release for iOS 13.3 (plus a minor watchOS 6.1.1 update) this coming week, most likely on or before December 11th. The new software could represent a big deal for parents thanks to the ability to limit access to contacts in Screen Time — you can specify who your kids can talk to and when. This only applies to voice calls, FaceTime and Messages, but it could be helpful if you’d rather not let your child hold all-night video chats with their friends.