Google Starts Rolling Out Multiple Sign-in Support

Google has started rolling out multiple sign-in support, a feature that had been in testing until now. It is not available to everyone yet, but it looks like Google is in the process of enabling it for all accounts. The feature allows users to sign into several accounts at the same time enabling them to use certain Google services in parallel. There is no official announcement, but one should be coming sooner rather than later.

Users that have had the new featured enabled should be able to see a new configuration option on their Google Accounts page, “Multiple sign-in.” By default, support for multiple accounts is disabled and must be activated from the dashboard. And the feature comes with a rather long list of ‘warnings.’

“The account you’re currently using is displayed at the top of most Google product pages, or at the bottom of most pages on mobile devices. Always check to make sure you’re using the account you want,” the account configuration page reads.

“Not all Google products support multiple sign-in. When switching between Google products, the account you’re currently using may change. Google products not listed above will default to the first account that you signed in to using your current web browser session. Offline Mail and Offline Calendar will be disabled. You may lose any unsent mail,” it continues.

Users are required to check a box for each of these warnings to ensure that they are fully aware of the limitations and how the system works. The reason why Google is taking all of these precautions is obvious, the feature has a significant effect on the way people use Google apps. And with services like Gmail or Calendar, Google wants to make sure that users are aware of the account they’re using. The feature will only work for a few Google apps for now, Gmail, Reader, Calendar, Code and Sites. If you enable multiple accounts you will see a drop-down list to select from the ones you’re logged into for the current product. [via Google OS]