Taking a page out of Apple’s book, Google is trying to make logging in across devices much easier with passkeys.
Previously, Google only allowed passkeys in Google Password Manager for Android. In a blog post posted Thursday, the company announced that it’s adding a passkey feature to its Password Manager to unify your desktop, and, hopefully, “[move] we are approaching a future without secrets.”
The update has already been rolled out for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while ChromeOS is currently in beta testing. iOS support is reportedly in the works, though Google recently said it’s “coming soon,” according to Tom’s Guide,
While you were previously able to use Google password manager passkeys on other devices, you were required to scan a QR code using your Android device. This extra layer has now been removed. To log in to sites on the desktop now, you can easily use a fingerprint or face lock, which is not only faster than entering a password, but also more secure. Although it is clear that Google is not only trying to make signing in faster and easier, but also making sure that we use it to sign in to all new sites and apps.
Once your passkeys are synced across all your devices, all you need is your biometrics to sign in. But to create passkeys, access saved ones on your devices, or start using passkeys on a new device, Google will need you to enter six digits. The encrypted pin at the end says “it can’t be accessed by anyone, not even Google.” This will add an extra layer of security to biometrics logins. You’ll also be able to unlock your Android screen to use passkeys on a new device for the first time.
A six-digit PIN is the default option. If you’re not comfortable with the thought of all your valuable data being behind six digits, you can go into the PIN options and create a long alpha-numeric PIN.
This update reminded me that Apple is making sign-in on all devices easier with the introduction of a password app that was announced with its new software, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Like Google, Apple already manages passwords with its iCloud Keychain, but decided it was time for a dedicated password manager app to streamline the process, especially since Keychain was notoriously glitchy.
Source link
