14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just updated its Authenticator app on iOS with support for phone sign-in, making this feature available on non-Windows platforms, but not yet on its very own Windows 10 Mobile.
While it’s not really surprising that Microsoft is actually investing more in Android and iOS than in Windows phones, Microsoft Authenticator is expected to receive the same update on Windows 10 Mobile as well, although it’s not yet clear when this is supposed to happen.
Microsoft Authenticator is a companion app that helps add a new security layer to your Microsoft account, making it possible to grant access to the account using a verification code sent to your phone.
With this new feature, the whole process is streamlined by using the phone or a connected wearable device for authentication, rather than codes that you have to manually input when logging in.
No timing for the arrival on Windows phones
The feature was already implemented in the Android version of the Microsoft Authenticator app a few days ago, and with this update, it becomes available for iOS users too.
“Sign in with your phone instead of typing your password! We are rolling out a new, fast, and secure way to sign in to your personal Microsoft account across the web and apps. To take advantage of this new functionality, either add your new personal account, or if the account is already in the app, choose to ‘Enable phone sign-in’ from the account dropdown menu,” Microsoft explains in the release notes of the Microsoft Authenticator app version 5.0.6 for iOS.
For the moment, there is no mention as to when the company plans to release this feature for Windows 10 Mobile devices, but it shouldn’t take too long for Windows phones to get an update as well.
And yet, seeing Microsoft’s platform becoming the last one to get the update is a little bit frustrating, especially for loyal Windows Phone fans who seem to be left behind even by the company that should support the operating system in the first place.