Google's Android 14 Update Paves Way For Easy App Authentication With Passkeys

In a significant development for Android users, the latest update to Android 14 is set to provide in-built passkey support for apps, enhancing their authentication processes and overall user convenience.

What Happened: As reported by The Verge, Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google GOOG announced in a developer blog post that its new tool, Credential Manager, will be launched on Nov. 1.

This Android-specific API, which has been under developer preview for several months, provides integrated storage for credentials such as usernames, passwords, and passkeys.

The new feature is anticipated to enhance the authentication process in Android 14 apps. 

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With the Credential Manager, apps can offer users a straightforward biometric login experience through passkeys, facilitating a smoother sign-in process.

In addition, the API can be integrated into third-party password managers like 1Password, offering an even more effortless login process when using such alternatives over Google Password Manager.

Google also mentioned in a separate blog post that it is deprecating several authentication APIs, urging developers to use the Credential Manager for user authentication. 

This move is predicted to simplify the process and foster its adoption by third-party apps.

For the unversed, Passkeys, which are replacing traditional passwords, leverage the device’s authentication methods for sign-ins. 

This Web Authentication-based technology generates two keys when a passkey is created: one stored by the service hosting your account and a private one stored on the device used for identity verification.

Why It Matters: Last month, Google started pushing the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 update for its Pixel smartphones, offering users a sneak peek into the new features. 

Moreover, the focus on passkeys aligns with Google’s October initiative, where passkeys were activated as the default sign-in method for personal Google accounts. 

This development forms part of Google’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative to enhance user safety. The latest update to Android 14, therefore, is a continuation of Google’s efforts to improve user security and convenience.

Image Credits – Shutterstock

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