Application and softwareScience and TechnologyApplication and softwareScience and Technology
Increased security and accessibility in the new version of Google’s “Password Manager”.
Google’s Password Manager has been steadily expanding its feature set and updating security measures at a fairly steady pace, and there’s no sign of stopping anytime soon—which makes sense given the eternal battle against hacking and other online safety risks. . The password-based functionality using Chrome’s Handset is getting a series of changes and improvements that will be extended to the desktop and mobile versions.
These updates — most of which are out now, but some are still on the way — aim to make Google’s password manager a little more user-friendly, safer, and more secure, Aetna reports, citing SlashGear. Depending on your hardware of choice, you may need to manually turn on one or more of these new features. And keep in mind that Password Manager is an aspect of Google’s Chrome web browser, not a separate app, so you won’t have access to any of this if you’re using another browser. However, using a password manager is still a good idea.
What’s up
The first change that catches the eye is that you can now make Password Manager a pseudo-app by creating a desktop shortcut. However, you can now also quickly access this feature through the Chrome menu, and a “Manage Passwords” option will now appear next to password autofill prompts.
These updates — most of which are out now, but some are still on the way — aim to make Google’s password manager a little more user-friendly, safer, and more secure, Aetna reports, citing SlashGear. Depending on your hardware of choice, you may need to manually turn on one or more of these new features. And keep in mind that Password Manager is an aspect of Google’s Chrome web browser, not a separate app, so you won’t have access to any of this if you’re using another browser. However, using a password manager is still a good idea.
What’s up
The first change that catches the eye is that you can now make Password Manager a pseudo-app by creating a desktop shortcut. However, you can now also quickly access this feature through the Chrome menu, and a “Manage Passwords” option will now appear next to password autofill prompts.
Beyond that, you can also add notes to your password information, such as pins, ID information, and tags to help keep track of multiple accounts, etc. Saved passwords from other password services can be exported and imported into Password Manager as a csv file. and the iOS version of Password Manager, with larger autocomplete prompts and grouping multiple accounts for a specific website for easier selection.
Another feature that Google hasn’t announced a specific time frame for is biometric authentication support (previously only on mobile devices) for facial recognition, fingerprint ID, and more – depending on what your hardware can handle – coming soon. It also comes with the desktop version of Password Manager.