Google launches Credentials Manager to simplify sign-in experience across apps

Google has just launched the alpha version of its new Jetpack API, called the Credential Manager, for app developers. The aim of this new tool is to make the authentication process for users easier and more secure by incorporating the use of passkeys.

The Credential Manager, developed by Google, allows for multiple sign-in options, including username/password combinations, passkeys, and federated sign-in solutions. This makes the integration process much simpler for developers, while also providing a unified sign-in experience for users who use multiple authentication methods.

Last year in October, Google expanded its support for passkeys, a passwordless authentication standard, to both Android and Chrome platforms. With the Credential Manager, users are now able to store their passkeys within Google Password Manager, and then sync them across all of their devices that are signed in with the same Google account. This results in a smooth and seamless sign-in process for passkey-supported apps.

The Credential Manager also helps to streamline the sign-in process for users by consolidating all available sign-in options for an app into a single list, removing any duplicates for the same account. This makes it easier for users to select the correct account without having to navigate the technicalities of different sign-in methods.

Google has also announced plans to roll out support for third-party password managers to work with the Credential Manager. The company said in a statement “Bringing together sign-in solutions and passkeys with Android’s new Credential Manager provides a seamless sign-in experience, freeing your users from having to remember usernames or passwords.”