Last year, the Gmail Android app got a major update that finally enabled users to use third-party accounts, such as those from Yahoo and Microsoft. Now, the app has taken things a step further in the right direction by adding improved security for such accounts.
On Wednesday, Google announced Oauth support for Yahoo and Microsoft accounts. Here’s what they had to say in a Google+ update from the Gmail team:
We’re always working to make your Gmail app experience safer, which is why today Gmail is gaining Oauth support for all Yahoo and Microsoft accounts. Oauth adds an extra layer of protection and allows you to take advantage of security features like two-step verification and account recovery.
Keep an eye out for it next time you’re adding an email account to your Android Gmail app. This update, along with several bug fixes and performance improvements, will be rolling out over the next few days. As always, you can download the app today on Google Play.
The addition of third-party account support was a major plus for Gmail users who have use more than one email address, whether it be for work for other reasons. Increased security only makes Gmail all the more attractive to users of these Yahoo and Microsoft accounts. Again, that is especially true for those using such accounts for work.
A little over two months ago, Gmail for Android got another significant update that included some much-needed features, such as the ability to put messages from multiple accounts (including those from Yahoo and Microsoft) together in one inbox.
A couple weeks ago, Google opened up its new email product Inbox by Gmail to everyone who wants to give it a spin. Given that some of us aren’t huge fans of that, it’s good to see Google is still putting some effort into improving Gmail itself.
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