New Android feature automatically logs users into apps when they switch devices
Transferring apps and data from an old Android device to a new one is already common practice. A new feature is designed to save you having to log in again.
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When switching from one Android smartphone to another, users can already have their apps and data transferred – In future, they will even be able to log into their app accounts automatically after switching. At least that's what a new feature that will be available to app developers in future envisages. They can save restore credentials as part of the Restore Manager API to save their users from having to log in manually on the new device.
Google has now presented the feature in the Android Developers Blog. Accordingly, Restore Credentials offers a seamless transition from the old to the new device: once the feature has been implemented by the developers, the app continues to run in exactly the same way as on the old device and a new login is not required. This is made possible by a restore key, which is transferred together with the app. According to Google, the key can also be transferred to cloud backups if desired. The automatic app login then also works when users download their data wirelessly to a new device.
However, the basic prerequisite is that an app is transferred from the old device to the new one. Manually uninstalling an app on the old device and reinstalling it on the new device will not work if users want to save themselves some effort with automatic login via Restore Credentials. Among the advantages for developers, Google cites the promotion of user loyalty and the ability to send them app notifications and similar on the new device.
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