Android's New Security: Smartwatch Integration Makes Life Easier
Android's security features are getting a smart upgrade that should make protecting your data a little less annoying. If you're like me, you appreciate the extra security of features like Identity Check, which requires biometric authentication for sensitive actions when you're not in a trusted place.
However, let's be honest, having to scan your fingerprint or face every single time can be a real pain. Imagine wearing gloves and a mask – it suddenly becomes a whole production just to access your passwords. It seems Google understands this frustration and is working on a solution that involves your smartwatch.
Smartwatch to the Rescue
I've been digging around in the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 and found some interesting clues. It looks like Google is planning to integrate your smartwatch, specifically your Pixel Watch, with Identity Check. The idea is that if your watch is connected and nearby, you can skip the biometric scan and use your PIN or password instead, even when you're not in a trusted location.
At first, I wondered if this defeats the purpose of Identity Check. But when you think about it, it's unlikely a thief will snatch both your phone and your watch. Since your smartwatch is probably attached to your wrist, it's a pretty good indicator that you still have your phone. So, it's a smart compromise between security and convenience.
It seems that Identity Check will expand to secure more apps, enforcing biometric authentication for any app that uses the biometric prompt API.
There's a catch, though. The code suggests this feature might be exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3 or later. It's unclear why, but it could be due to the UWB hardware in the newer watches. I'm eager to see if this new integration will make Identity Check less of a hassle for those who value security without sacrificing too much convenience. We'll have to wait for the official launch, which is expected in the stable release of Android 16 QPR2.
Source: AndroidAuthority