Go passwordless with new Apple Watch app for Microsoft accounts
Microsoft announced today that it is launching its popular Authenticator companion app on the Apple Watch. This will let you approve sign-ins without using your smartphone.
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The app has been around for about a year on iOS and Android smartphones. Instead of manually typing your password, it allows you to sign-in with your username and then use your mobile device with your fingerprint, face or PIN to confirm your identity. In essence, this provides an extra layer of security while allowing you to speed up the sign-in process.
Soon, you’ll be able to use your Apple Watch to do this. Once set up, Microsoft Authenticator will relay notifications to approve logins on your Apple Watch. You can then use the device on your wrist to approve sign-ins with a simple tap.
“The Microsoft Authenticator app on Apple Watch supports Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts that are set up with push notifications. All supported accounts automatically sync to the Watch.” Microsoft said in a statement.
In terms of security, there is a two-step verification process. When you put the Watch on in the morning, you will need to enter your PIN number. As long as the device stays on your wrist and within the range of your phone, you won’t need to re-enter your PIN.
The average person is said to have 19 passwords. Having a device on your wrist that automatically logs you in makes perfect sense. The sooner we do away with passwords, the better. No one will miss them!
In terms of the release timeline, Microsoft says it expects to the app to hit general availability within the next few weeks. You can test-drive it now, though, by signing up to become a Microsoft Authenticator TestFlight user.
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