14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that the Authenticator app, which helps secure accounts with a randomly generated passcode and log in easily, will launch on Windows phones later this week, after previously becoming available on iOS and Android devices.
As usual, seeing Microsoft releasing an app on non-Windows platforms first was a little bit frustrating for users in the community, even though Authenticator has been available in beta on Windows 10 Mobile for a while, but the company moved fast this time to bring the final version on Windows phones too.
In addition to the Authenticator app coming to Windows phones, Microsoft has also announced some new features that are on their way on iOS, including account push notification for iPhones. This feature is currently in beta, the company says, and should be released to users soon.
Touch ID support coming on iPhones
Additionally, biometric fingerprint support is also being added, Microsoft details, so iPhones will soon be able to log into the Authenticator using Touch ID. A similar feature could be added to Windows phones too, as new devices such as Lumia 950 and 950 XL support Windows Hello and come with an infrared camera that could be used in this regard.
“Many customers have also asked about support for TouchID on iOS and biometric fingerprint unlock on Android. These features are working with the current version for users who are required to us a PIN to complete their Azure AD authentication,” Microsoft explains.
“In this case, the bio proof is used as an alternative to entering a PIN. Many of you have indicated you’d like to use biometric unlock features even if you don’t have a PIN. We’ve heard your feedback and have kicked off planning to add this capability in the not too distant future.”
Microsoft hasn’t said when exactly the Windows Phone version of the app is expected to launch, but it’s either today or tomorrow, given that the company has promised to do it “later this week.” We’ll update the article when the app becomes available.