Testing Phase Begins for a Popular Messaging App's Companion App for Smartwatch
In the realm of messaging apps, there's some exciting news. One of the most popular ones has taken a significant step forward by starting testing for its long-anticipated smartwatch companion app. Plus, they've also confirmed the upcoming availability of passkey-encrypted backups for both Android and iOS users. Let's delve into the nitty-gritty details of these developments.
Enhanced Security with Passkey-Encrypted Backups
One of the most crucial updates is the introduction of passkey-encrypted backups. This feature is set to gradually become available to all users in the coming weeks and months. It's designed to provide an extra layer of security for your chat backups.
With this feature, you won't have to remember any password or a complex 64-digit encryption key. Instead, you'll be able to use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock code to encrypt your chat backups. The same level of security that safeguards your personal chats and calls will now extend to your chat backups, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and private.
To enable this feature, users will have to navigate to "Settings" then "Chats", "Chat backup", and finally "End-to-end encrypted backup" in the app.
Smartwatch Companion App in the Making
The second piece of exciting news is about the testing of a smartwatch companion app. This development aims to improve the limited native support that smartwatch users have had to put up with when quickly managing their notifications.
It's important to note that this doesn't mean the messaging app is becoming a standalone app for the smartwatch. It will still rely on the iPhone. However, it is set to bring most of the essential messaging features directly to the smartwatch. This includes features like chat browsing, quick replies, and emoji reactions.
The connection between the messaging app on your iPhone and your smartwatch will be fully automatic. Users won't need to scan any QR code to link their messaging app account, so long as the smartwatch is already paired with the iPhone. The app will use an indicator at the top left of the screen to inform users when the smartwatch is syncing, connected, or when connectivity to the iPhone is lost. Once this connection is established automatically, users can scroll through their chat list, making it easier to locate recent conversations and stay up-to-date directly from their wrist.
As of now, there is no set timeline for a broader release or standalone support. However, we're keeping a close watch on future developments and will share more information as soon as the feature becomes official. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!