The app needed to integrate Token’s advanced security features like FIDO2-compliant passwordless login and on-device biometric verification under strict security standards. For example, the ring’s fingerprint data never leaves the device and credentials are stored in an EAL5+ secure element. The challenge was to enable secure enrollment and authentication without introducing vulnerabilities. This required close coordination with Token’s security architects to ensure best practices in encryption, key management, and authentication flows.

Developing for a wearable device like the Token Ring introduced unique constraints. The ring packs 83 components (3 microprocessors, 3 antennas, 2 radios) into a tiny, battery-powered form factor and communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Its evolving firmware had limited resources and imposed restrictions on what the app could do. For example, aggressive power management might disconnect BLE after a short interval to save battery, so the app had to handle intermittent connectivity. The team often encountered firmware quirks or incomplete BLE protocols and had to adapt as the firmware matured through updates. Resolving these issues required tight iteration loops and close collaboration between the app and hardware/firmware teams.

Token built the app using the Qt framework in C++ for a single cross-platform codebase (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS). This maximized code reuse (e.g., sharing low-level device communication with desktop apps) but introduced complexity. Few developers specialize in Qt on mobile, so Intent brought in Qt/C++ experts who also understood mobile UX. Using Qt meant working with an abstraction layer over native features, and certain functionality (like Bluetooth connectivity, background processing, or app store compliance) still required custom code in Java (Android) or Swift (iOS). There were known pitfalls in Qt’s BLE support: Qt wraps the native Bluetooth APIs, and subtle differences between iOS and Android BLE handling led to bugs that required platform-specific fixes or waiting on Qt’s updates. Ensuring good performance and a native look-and-feel via Qt was another challenge.

The project involved multiple teams (embedded firmware, security, and mobile/UX), making cross-team integration a major challenge. IoT projects often suffer from siloed communication, and early on it was clear that these gaps could slow development—for example, the mobile app team might be waiting on a firmware BLE fix while the firmware team wasn’t aware it was blocking progress. A better workflow was needed to keep everyone in sync with evolving requirements, especially since the hardware was built by a third party, adding delays. Overcoming this hardware-firmware-software divide was essential to avoid missed deadlines or compatibility issues. Intent took the initiative to bridge these teams by setting up regular cross-team meetings and shared documentation, ensuring that firmware updates, API changes, and design decisions were quickly communicated.

The most visible outcome is the fully redesigned Token Ring mobile app, which now features a clean interface, guided onboarding, clear fingerprint enrollment steps, and real-time authentication feedback. This user-friendly approach boosts adoption by making the security experience more convenient—especially important for enterprise clients in healthcare and finance who expect both professionalism and usability.

The ring and app together now provide a phishing-resistant MFA solution, built on FIDO2 and on-device biometric checks. This meets stringent security standards and gives Token a competitive edge, especially for medtech and healthtech clients needing to protect sensitive data. By ensuring top-tier security, Token resonates with enterprises and investors alike.

Behind the scenes, Token’s workflow and capabilities have advanced significantly. New QA and project management practices shortened development cycles and reduced bugs, making app releases more routine and responsive to customer needs. The team also gained valuable IoT expertise, allowing them to innovate without heavy external support.

The redesigned app was delivered on schedule to support key pilot deployments. Minor issues (e.g., reconnection glitches) were promptly resolved, and the successful pilot played a role in Token’s next funding round. Ultimately, the project delivered a reliable, secure IoT device that hit critical milestones and satisfied enterprise security demands.