Credential Manager Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Android Auto Just Got a Social Music Upgrade with Spotify Jam

Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience by integrating its Gemini technology and introducing new car app templates for developers. The updated Spotify app will feature "Spotify Jam," allowing passengers to contribute to the car's playlist and control audio output. Users can activate the Jam feature by pressing a button and joining via a QR code. The updated Spotify app is expected to roll out in the coming months, with Amazon Music and YouTube Music also set to adopt the new templates. Video applications will soon support an audio-only mode for listening while driving, and Quick Share will enable content sharing between smartphones and vehicles. Google plans to implement passkeys and credential manager APIs for security enhancements and will enable video and web browser apps on older Android Auto platforms.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google I/O 2025: Android Auto and Automotive OS Get Smarter

Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Google makes it easier to share digital credentials on your Android phone

Android now supports OpenID standards for digital credential presentation and issuance, allowing users to securely store and send cryptographically verifiable digital documents across apps. Google has expanded access to its Digital ID capabilities via the Wallet app for U.K. residents, promoting interoperability among applications managing digital identities. The Android platform now includes native support for OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI through the Credential Manager's DigitalCredential API, enabling apps to incorporate various digital documents like educational certifications and insurance policies. Users can share credentials securely between devices using CTAP protocols and select appropriate credentials without specifying a digital wallet app. Digital credentials will be usable for account recovery on platforms like Amazon, accessing health services through CVS and MyChart, and verifying identities on services like Uber and Bumble. Samsung Wallet and 1Password will also support the storage of digital credentials, enhancing the ecosystem of digital wallets adhering to OpenID standards.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google has announced a suite of improvements to enhance security within the Android ecosystem and the Google Play Store. Key advancements include: - Enhanced tools to protect businesses from scams and fraud. - Pre-review checks to identify policy and compatibility issues early in app development. - Transparent information on Google Play to build consumer trust. - Strengthened threat-detection capabilities using AI to combat malicious activities. Developers will receive earlier notifications about relevant policies within Android Studio, and the policy experience has been revamped for clearer updates and more time for changes. The Google Play Developer Help Community is expanding to facilitate knowledge sharing among developers. The Play Integrity API is being utilized for over 500 million daily checks to prevent fraud and abuse, with apps using these features seeing an 80% reduction in usage from unverified sources. Improvements for devices running Android 13 include enhanced security signals and automatic updates for developers. New badges for app categories, including a "Verified" badge for VPN apps, are being introduced to validate secure applications. Google is also focusing on creating a safe online experience for children and developing tools like the Credential Manager API for Digital IDs. Last year, investments in security measures prevented 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published. Google Play Protect is evolving to counter new threats, and the company is collaborating with industry leaders to establish security standards through the App Defense Alliance.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

The Wear OS 5.1 preview is now available — and it’s based on Android 15

Google has released the first developer preview of Wear OS 5.1, based on Android 15, for testing in the Android Studio emulator. Key features include audio playback through smartwatch speakers and the new Credential Manager API. The build number for this preview is AP4A.241205.004.F1. Known issues include difficulties in adding accounts during setup, notifications not opening corresponding apps until the screen is scrolled, and potential failures in initiating exercise sessions with Wear Health Services. The audio feature allows users to listen to music or podcasts from the smartwatch's speaker, while the Credential Manager API supports password management and synchronization across devices.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

Android gets new way to keep your apps logged in after device setup

Google is introducing a new feature called the Restore Credentials feature as part of Android's Credential Manager API, designed to simplify the sign-in process for users transitioning to new devices. This feature allows apps to keep users logged in after restoring apps and data from a previous device, enabling them to receive notifications and access content without needing to open the app. A restore key is generated when a user signs in, which is securely stored and can be transferred locally or through cloud backups. No additional developer effort is required for the transfer of the restore key, as it is integrated with the Android system’s backup and restore mechanism. Developers can also implement a "backup agent" for a seamless user experience. The Restore Credentials API is currently in developer preview for devices running Android 9 and above.

AppWizard

June 19, 2024

Android 15 beta 3 rolling out now — here’s what’s new

Google has released Android 15 Beta 3, bringing the operating system closer to its final build. The update focuses on enhancing user experience for passkeys and Credential Manager.

AppWizard

June 18, 2024

Android 15 Beta 3 rollout pushes Google across an exciting milestone

Google's Android 15 Beta 3 rollout has begun, bringing improvements for passkeys and the Credential Manager.