Google Messages is reportedly working on a new and easier way to sync your phone and web browser for texting.
As shared by 9to5Google as part of its ‘APK Insight,’ the publication looked into the latest version of the Google Messages app and found an option that reads “Switch to Google Account pairing.”
As of right now, to be able to use Google Messages on the web, users need to open the Messages web client > open the Messages app on their phone > tap their profile picture in their conversation list and select Device pairing > tap the QR code scanner and scan the code on the web device.
However, with the new ‘Switch to Google Account pairing’ method found in the APK, Google is testing a new way to pair your phone and browser without scanning a QR code. Clicking on the new option takes you to a page that asks you to “sign in to the same Google Account” within the Messages app to pair the new web device.
According to 9to5Google, the interface for the new feature is available in the Google Messages app now, though pairing with the web app doesn’t seem to be available yet.
Digging deeper, the publication found that Google Messages will ask you to confirm the pairing by tapping a matching emoji on your phone. This is similar to how Google verifies your identity with two-factor authentication but with emojis instead of numbers. For those not interested in using emojis for authentication, Google will offer codes for pairing too.
“Trying to pair another device? Tap the matching emoji appearing on your other device. If you don’t see a matching emoji, cancel and try again,” reads the prompt.
Read more about the new account pairing feature here.
Source: 9to5Google
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