Google, no matter what users say Android, is very responsible for updates. Therefore, a rare service of the company does without updates for at least one month. Regular operating system services can even receive several patches even in one week. However, Google also has such services that it may not update for years, regularly pretending that there is nothing like this in its range, and then, when everyone has already buried them, take and release a large-scale update. Can you guess which service you are talking about? Of course, about Google Authenticator.
Google Authenticator received an update for the first time in three years
What is Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a two-step verification application for third-party programs, services or sites. It is based on the One-time Password Algorithm technology, which generates random codes with a limited expiration date. That is, you need to have time to enter the authorization code within the specified time period. This update, which takes place in the background, guarantees the maximum security of the authorization process, since it eliminates the chance of brute-force attacks, and thanks to encryption, also theft.
Google Authenticator update
Google Authenticator helps you keep your account safe
Google released the first update to Google Authenticator in three years tonight. The service was last updated in 2017 and since then has not received a single, even the smallest patch, hanging on version 5.0. As a result, many even began to compete, suggesting closure dates. After all, if developers ignore it for three whole years, it is obvious that they have lost interest in it, or it has ceased to bring at least some income. This means that there is no longer any point in continuing its software support. But everything turned out to be wrong.
Google Authenticator gets a new material design 2.0
The first thing that catches your eye after installing the update is the redesign. Google has worked on the design of the application and, although it did not fundamentally change it, still brought it in line with the Material Design 2.0 style. The fonts and basic interface elements have become more compact, the button for adding a new site for protection has ceased to be so flashy red, and turned into a multicolored gradient typical for the Google logo. In general, the new version of Google Authenticator looks much neater and fresher.
How to transfer Google Authenticator
Now sharing data from Google Authenticator has become extremely easy
But it's not the design that usually values updates, and Google Authenticator is no exception. If earlier it was a real torment to transfer the application with all the data for authorization from one smartphone to another, now everything has become much easier. Google has added a handy export tool to the app interface that allows you to simply select the accounts you want and generate a QR code. All that remains is to scan it from a new smartphone, and all data will be transferred automatically. You can export several accounts or one by one. And to ensure the security of the transmission, a PIN code or fingerprint scan is used.
The Google Authenticator update is currently rolling out gradually, and therefore may not be available to you yet. This is a completely standard practice for Google, which thus leaves itself room for maneuver, so that in case of some problems with an update, it will have time to withdraw it before a large number of users download it. However, if you don't want to wait for the update to reach you, you can download the Google Authenticator APK from this link and install it like a regular app.
Download Google Authenticator from Google Play