Google now lets you prove your identity with a USB security key

It shouldn’t surprise you that Google’s a big proponent of online security, and that’s why it’s rolling out support for a new way to prove you are you who are: a USB Security Key. Google’s normal approach to two-step authorization involves getting a text on your phone to verify your identity, but that isn’t always ideal. Maybe you suck at keeping your phone charged. Or maybe you’re abroad (your author’s had to deal with that particular headache a few times) and don’t want to get slammed with roaming charges. Having a dedicated secure USB key around means you’ll be able to log into Google’s ecosystem without having to worry about phishing or having your phone handy.

Alas, there are a few caveats: you have to be a Chrome user, for one. You can’t turn any ol’ thumb drive laying around into a security key, either – it’s got to be one that supports the FIDO authentication standard. Still, there’s some more icing on this cake: other sites and services can choose to use FIDO authentication too, and plenty of big name players like Microsoft, Alibaba and PayPal have already pledged their support. Thinking of taking the plunge? You can claim some compatible hardware for just under $20, so there’s no excuse for not locking your digital world down.

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Source: Google

Google Play Music gets Material Design, benefits from Songza

Google has released an update to Google Play Music that bring both their new Material Design to the app as well as functions modeled after features found in Songza, in particular the Concierge option. The update to incorporate Material Design is no surprise and we even saw a port of it get out over the weekend. This update starting to rollout today makes the new look official though. Besides the benefits of Material Design, Google is also working on making the service more useful for listeners with the new features that have been added no doubt thanks to their acquisition of Songza.

One of Songza’s claims to fame was their Concierge function. This feature provided users with a list of activities or settings that listeners could select to launch a playlist matching what they were doing. For example, listeners could choose from activities like working out or studying or trying to go to sleep. As Play Music’s product manager Elias Roman indicates, the new options give Play Music “context.”

Google makes this work by collecting data like time of day, location, or the device a user is listening on. However, the final stage is handled by real people who help put together the play lists and determine what will next. The end result for users is that they can access a fairly well put together playlist with only a couple taps.

Google hopes Play Music is a step above what Songza was offering though. To get there, Google is limiting these improvements to All Access subscribers. For those who can access the new lists, which appear on the “Listen Now” page, they will not have to deal with ads. Users also get full control over the playlists, reordering songs or cutting them out completely. Users will also be able to launch a radio station based on a song they hear or add it to their Play Library. Google is also making it possible to download the playlists, up to around 25 songs, for offline listening.

You probably already have Play Music installed on your Android device, but if for some reason you don’t, use one of the links below to grab it from the Play Store. You can also check for the update using the links.

Google Play Download Link

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Google adds USB Security Key support to make their 2-Step Verification more robust

Google’s 2-Step Verification is currently the most secure method of signing into your Google account but today the search giant have one-upped their own robust security system by launching Security Key. Security Key is similar to 2-Step Verification except instead of typing in a unique code, you simply insert the USB Security Key. The USB first verifies that the site you’re on is a legitimate Google site and then prompts you to tap the USB key.

The Security Key and Google Chrome use the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) protocol so this verification process can easily be implemented into other sites and browsers. While Security Key works with Google Accounts for no extra charge, users will have to purchase a U2F-compatible USB device from the vendor of their choice. Hit the source to learn more about Google’s awesome new security measures.

Source: Google

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Google wants to help you leave iOS for Android Lollipop

So, you’ve taken a look at the new iPhones and iPads and thought to yourself: “Nah, it’s time to see if the grass really is greener on the other side.” Well, good timing, because Google has published a guide to help you switch from iOS to its newest platform, Android Lollipop. The tech giant has laid it all out for you: its instructions include how to upload photos stored on iPhones and iPads to Google+, transfer music from iTunes to Google Play Music, keep all your contacts and even set up mail and messaging, among others. In short, it’s what you need to read if the only thing keeping you from moving platforms is the process itself. If you’re ready to switch allegiance, keep an eye out for the Nexus 6 smartphone, the Nexus 9 tablet or the Nexus player, as those will be the first devices to come loaded with Lollipop (though some older devices are also getting it through software upgrades). But in case you’re actually having issues switching to iOS instead of from, don’t worry: Apple has also published a guide to help you become a bona fide iOS user.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

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Via: Droid Life

Source: Android Switch