Even with a close look at my left hand you would most likely miss what sits just below the skin. You see, just under the surface, sitting between my thumb and pointer finger, is an NFC chip. Today, September 16, 2015, marks the one year anniversary of the implant and I wanted to write a little follow up of sorts.

I wrote about my initial experience a little more than a month after getting the implant. The reason for the initial 30 day wait was simple — I wanted to make sure there wasn’t going to be any issues. And well, I figured if things looked good at 30 days, it was likely they would stay good.

If you are curious you can read that story, which was published on Connectedly back in October 2014.

I’m happy to say things have stayed good in the months that have followed. I haven’t had any issues with the chip, but it isn’t something I really think of as special at this point. I realize having an NFC chip implant is somewhat unique, but for me it has become sort of commonplace. It has basically just turned into another tool that I use every day. Just another piece of tech in my life.

That sounds sort of boring, but I think I prefer it that way. I’d rather it be boring, than something that has caused issues. Or worse, something that went bad and had to be cut out of my hand. Anyway, like I mentioned, the NFC chip has just become another piece of tech in my life. I currently use it to secure my phone, and also lock/unlock my car door.

On my smartphone, currently a Nexus 6, I use Smart Lock. Specifically, I use the Trusted Devices setup with my implant and my smartwatch. There is also a passcode setup on my phone, but that is rarely, if ever, actually used. Basically my phone stays unlocked if it remains connected to my smartwatch, and for all other times, a scan of my left hand will unlock my phone. One my car I am using the xEM Access Controller, which just like the actual chip, was purchased through Dangerous Things.

Otherwise, I also have plans for another implant and for front-door access control. The front door access is as simple as changing the front door lock on my house. The other chip implant will be in my right hand, which will be done if for no other reason than I am right-handed and some actions, such as reaching for a door handle feel more natural. My original left-hand implant was done so I could hold my phone (in my right hand) and be able to wave it over my left hand to scan and unlock.