Google Authenticator with ‘Material You‘ redesign will soon be available on the Play Store. The changes bring the app in line with other Google apps.
Google finally updates its Authenticator app with Material You redesign
Google has updated its Authenticator app. Android users should get the latest version soon. Material You is the third iteration of the Material design philosophy, which aims to simplify navigation.
The biggest change in the Authenticator app is the ability to search through accounts. There’s a pill-shaped bar up top that offers an account switcher as well as a hamburger button.
The Transfer codes option, How It Works guide, Settings, and Help & feedback are now housed within the now-familiar navigation drawer. Google has retained the iconic four-color plus sign, but the Floating Action Button (FAB) is now a rounded square instead of a circle. Users also get an app shortcut to quickly save a new account.
Google Authenticator finally got Material You theme support alongside a new feature called "Privacy screen" which is basically the ability to 🔒 lock the app with the same device lock. pic.twitter.com/k5Quu2iTU9
— Saadh Jawwadh (@SaadhJawwadh) August 9, 2024
Google has made some significant alterations to the “Scan a QR code” User Interface (UI). Users can bring up the rear flash to illuminate the QR code being scanned. The search giant has added a notification which states, “No image data will be shared, only the scan results. Scanning is performed on your device and Google will not save any image data or the scanned codes.”
The Material You redesign for the Google Authenticator app also allows users to set a timer for authentication. Users can set the “Require to unlock after the app is invisible” increment to: Immediately, After 10 seconds, After 1 minute, or After 10 minutes.
When will the updated version of the app be available on the Play Store?
Google usually updates its apps very frequently. However, the Authenticator app’s last major update was rolled out over a year ago. The latest update majorly includes bringing up the design elements at par with other apps that have long back received the “Material You” makeover.
It is not clear why the update cycle of the Google Authenticator app is so slow. According to 9to5Google, Google last updated the app back in April of 2023. Back then, it was on version 6, and the only noticeable change was a new icon and Google Account sync ability.
It is interesting to note that the latest version of the Google Authenticator app is already available for the iPhone and iPad. Google hasn’t confirmed when it will make the same available for Android devices. However, the installer file of the stable edition is available from third-party sources, which means the Play Store should offer the same in the next few days.