Google Authenticator Account Syncing
Google Authenticator is finally adding a long-standing customer request to have account syncing for two-factor codes.
This means if you are setting up a new phone and log in to your account, Authenticator will be ready to go without requiring its own setup process. Or, if you lose your phone or it gets stolen, getting back into your accounts from another device will be an easier and less nerve-racking process. Google continually heard a major piece of feedback from users about the complexity in dealing with lost or stolen devices with Authenticator installed; since one time codes were only stored on a single device, the loss of that device meant users also lost their ability to sign in to any service they’d set up two factor authentication using Authenticator.
With the new update, Google is making one time codes more durable by storing them safely in users’ Google account, meaning users will be better protected from lockout and services can rely on users retaining access to increase both convenience and security. To enable cloud syncing for two-factor codes, you will need to be sure you have the latest version of the Authenticator app, which has also updated to a new logo. To read more about the change, visit here and to read more about the feature itself, visit Google’s support page here. Once you are set up, if you sign into your Google Account within Google Authenticator, your codes will automatically be backed up and restored on any new device you use.
Microsoft Phone Link for iOS
While the feature has been available to Android users, Microsoft Phone Link for iOS is also now available for all Windows 11 customers. This will enable the connection between a Windows 11 PC and an iOS mobile device in order to remove barriers between phone and PC and make it easier to connect with family and friends.
Windows Insiders were asked to engage and provide feedback during the preview phase to ensure the highest quality experience for users before beginning the gradual rollout to the full Windows 11 audience. Microsoft hopes Windows 11 customers will no longer have to worry about missing important calls or texts while focused on their Windows PC. Plus, Phone Link for iOS will offer basic support for calls, messages, and access to contacts; if your phone is tucked away, you can still receive notifications on your PC and choose which action to take, all from your PC. Another fun feature includes the iCloud® integration with Photos to access your iPhone® photos on your PC following a simple process.
You can check if Phone Link is enabled, or begin to use it by starting with the Search box on your Windows taskbar to find “Phone Link”. Follow the step-by-step guide here to set it up, or learn more about the exciting announcement here.
Apple’s 2023 WWDC
Apple’s 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference took place earlier this month; the weeklong event was held in person as well as live-streamed. The event kicked off with a keynote presentation at Apple Park attended by developers, students, and media, while millions of people around the world were also able to tune in on demand.
There were many exciting announcements and updates shared throughout the week. Starting off with the reveal of Apple Vision Pro, a revolutionary spatial computer. With a fully three-dimensional interface and controlled by natural and intuitive inputs, like a user’s eyes, hands, and voice, this scales beyond anything we’ve seen before. It features the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro, and lets users interact with digital content that feels like it is physically present in their space. iOS17 is bringing updates to Phone, FaceTime, and Messages to give users new ways to express themselves, share content or information, and view information at a glance with the new feature StandBy. The Journal app was also introduced, which gives users a way to reflect, practice gratitude, and focus on their wellbeing.
A new 15-inch MacBook Air was shown, with an expansive 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, M2 performance, and up to 18 hours of battery life. The thin, light, fanless design makes the laptop easy for users to work, play, or create, anything and anywhere. The Apple Watch has a reimagined interface with watchOS10; there is a fresh approach to quickly view information with redesigned apps, a Smart Stack to show relevant widgets when they’re needed, and new watch faces. There are also new features for cyclists and hikers, and a Mindfulness app to allow users to discreetly log their momentary emotions and daily moods.
Throughout the week, there were additional exciting announcements made around Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, tvOS 17, and AirPods Pro. Visit here to learn more about all the new features and updates to look forward to.