14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just updated the Authenticator iOS app with a new feature, bumping the OS build number to version 5.9.0 on iPhone and iPad.
Microsoft Authenticator is an app that puts users in control over the security of their Microsoft accounts. By setting up Authenticator on a mobile device, users can then sign in elsewhere in a matter of seconds, all by simply entering their usernames and then approving the request on the phone.
Starting with this new version, Microsoft Authenticator will also issue notifications to configured devices to warn of any potential suspicious activity that could lead to an account getting compromised.
“For personal Microsoft accounts, you’ll start receiving notifications about suspicious sign-ins or other activity on your account. This is part of our effort to provide the best protection for your account and keep you updated,” Microsoft explains in the release notes of the latest version.
This feature is also available on Android and it comes with version 6.2.29 that was released on the Google Play Store back in May.
Bad reviews on the store
And while Microsoft Authenticator is evolving with new features, there’s still a lot to be improved, according to the most recent user reviews posted on the app stores.
The latest reviews on the Google Play store listings are all 1-star ratings, and users warn of bugs that could significantly affect the experience without adding any extra security.
“This app will not show you the pop-up box to allow you to select your account. Defeats the purpose if you can't actually select an account to authenticate. I would have expected that Microsoft would have fixed this on phones where that button does not shrink. Very poor quality assurance work,” one of the latest reviews reads.
The performance of the app will probably be further refined in the next updates to the app, though it remains to be seen how fast new versions would be released.