Galaxy users who rely on Google’s Find My Device app to find or locate their products may soon enjoy improved security features. Google is currently testing a new functionality that will allow users to log into the app with a PIN or biometric authentication. It currently requires you to enter your Google account password. The new feature should be widely available in the coming weeks.
Google enhances Find My Device with biometric authentication
Find My Device is Google’s crowd-sourced service for locating lost or misplaced devices, similar to Samsung’s SmartThings Find. Galaxy users can use either service to track their phones, tablets, earbuds, watches, and other supported products. But if you are using the former, you might find its authentication system a bit cumbersome. It requires you to enter your Google account password each time you open the app.
Of course, you can check that “Don’t ask again” box to save your login for a while, it still feels outdated. Moreover, anyone with access to your Google account can potentially make changes to your list of devices. Thankfully, Google has now introduced a biometric login system to make it more secure and convenient. The folks at Android Authority discovered the new option in version 3.1.173-1 of the Find My Device app.
This update allows users to sign in using biometric authentication or a PIN. Entering a PIN or scanning your fingerprint is far quicker and easier than typing in your full Google account password each time. The new report also reveals that Google is testing a UI update for Find My Device, particularly on large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets. The screenshots below show the current (left) and updated (right) designs.
The new design has a side panel for options, freeing up more vertical space for the map. However, this side panel is not resizable, limiting the map’s overall view. The settings are located on the left, with the device location on the right, though neither pane offers resizing capabilities. This is likely an unfinished work from Google rather than an intended design. Expect the company to introduce resizable panes in the final version.
