Touch ID is now open to third party developers
Google has updated its Google Drive cloud storage app for iOS devices, allowing iPhone and iPad owners to protect their files with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Once enabled, the update will require Drive patrons to use the sensor built into the iOS home button in order to unlock access to photos, documents and other items shared in the cloud.
Google had previously given users the opportunity to Passcode Lock the Drive app, so the integration of the safer and more convenient Touch ID tech is another step in the right direction.
Apple opened up Touch ID to third party developers with the launch of iOS 8 back in September and a large selection of app makers have already jumped on board.
The likes of 1Password, Amazon, Evernote, Mint and SkyBet have already integrated the security tech, while it also underpins Apple’s new Apple Pay mobile wallet.
The Touch ID bump isn’t the only Google Drive improvement within today's update. The Mountain View-based web and mobile giant has added the ability to save videos to Drive directly from iOS, while users can open files from Drive and save them back from other apps.
On its Google Plus page, the company explained: "Google Drive for iOS is now optimized for iOS 8, and includes some new security and convenience features we think you’ll love.
“You’ll see that Drive works better with other apps on your iPhone and iPad. You can now open files from Drive, and save back to Drive from other apps on your device if you’re using iOS 8.
“Finally: people store a lot of videos in Google Drive, but until today, it wasn’t possible to add them to your iOS device. Now, no matter what version of iOS you’re using, you can save videos from Drive to your device’s camera roll. This feature is simple to use — just tap the File Info icon, then ‘Open In’, and choose ‘Save Video’."
Read more: What is Apple Pay: A guide to mobile payments
Via: The Next Web