Google Authenticator 7.0 Launches: Featuring Material You Redesign and Improved Security Features
Important Information
- The latest update to Google’s Authenticator app has been launched as version 7.0, featuring a complete overhaul with Material You design and improved privacy enhancements for users on Android devices.
- This version introduces a modern search interface with a pill-shaped input bar, refined QR code scanning capabilities with an added flash option, and a new privacy feature that secures the app using your device’s built-in security.
- Though iOS users benefited from these updates several months earlier, Android users can now obtain the new version via the Google Play Store.
The update marks a significant refresh to Google’s two-factor authentication tool, bringing it to version 7.0 specifically for Android platforms. This significant update comes after over a year and brings the Android app on par with its iOS counterpart.
This update embraces the Material You 3 aesthetics, featuring a pill-shaped search option positioned at the top of the interface. Users can conveniently search for individual accounts, switch profiles through the designated icon, and navigate the menu using a single, cohesive element.
- To download, visit the Google Play Store
The update enhances security with the new Privacy Screen feature. It allows users to safeguard the app behind their device’s security settings, whether it be facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. Users can customize how quickly this lock activates, with options ranging from instant locking upon exit to a delay of up to 10 minutes.
Enhancements have also been made to the QR code scanner. Google has now included a useful flash function for improved scanning in dim lighting, and clarified its privacy policy — ensuring no image data is transmitted outside your device, just the results of the scans are processed. Additionally, the floating action button for adding new accounts has transitioned from a circular design to a rounded square shape, while maintaining its recognizable four-color plus sign motif.
This update is now progressively available via the Google Play Store, finally offering Android users the advanced features they’ve anticipated. Despite the delay compared to the iOS rollout, the substantial redesign and fortified security options certainly justify the wait.
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