Google has announced a significant update to its Find My Device app, introducing biometric authentication in version 3.1.173-1. This new feature allows users to log in using their fingerprints, facial recognition, or a PIN, enhancing the security and accessibility of the app. Prior to this update, users were limited to entering their Google account password – a potential security risks for those who preferred not to enter their credentials each time they access the app.
The introduction of biometric login means that users can quickly and easily authenticate their identity, making it more convenient to locate lost devices. Importantly, the new biometric feature also adds a layer of security by eliminating the previous option to skip password entry. Now, users will be prompted to authenticate every time they open the app, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access sensitive data about their devices.
According to Android Authority, in addition to the biometric update, Google is also reportedly working on a visual overhaul of the Find My Device app specifically for tablet users. Currently, the app features a bottom sheet design, but the planned update will shift to a side panel, optimising the use of screen space on larger devices. This redesign aims to maintain all existing functionalities such as playing sounds, securing devices, and marking them as lost while providing a more user-friendly interface for tablet users. However, it remains unclear when this update will officially roll out.
This latest enhancement follows the recent integration of the Find My Device network within the Google Home app. The Find My Device app by Google is designed to help locate lost or stolen devices quickly and efficiently. The app allows users to track their devices on a map, make them ring to help locate them, and even lock or erase sensitive data remotely.
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