Signal has started to introduce its new feature that allows multiple mobile devices to be used under the same account with a single phone number. Connected device support, previously available for desktop computers and iPads, now includes Android phones and iPhones. Thus, users will be able to use the same Signal account on multiple phones simultaneously and access their messages on all connected devices.
Thanks to this innovation, new messages can be viewed on all connected devices and users can continue their conversations from where they left off, regardless of the device they use. While Signal states that it continues to carry out the synchronization process between connected devices with an end-to-end encryption infrastructure, it also offers options to protect users’ security preferences.
Signal brings the connected device experience to mobile phones
When connecting a new phone to a Signal account, users can optionally choose to transfer an end-to-end encrypted copy of their existing message history to the new device. Users who wish can only start receiving new messages without transferring their message history. This option provides an additional layer of security for users who do not want past conversations to be found on devices that are shared, at risk of being lost, or whose security is concerned.
According to Signal’s statement, the new feature is being gradually distributed with version 8.20 on the Android side and version 8.22 on the iPhone and iPad side. Once the update is complete, all supported users will be able to connect a second phone to their existing Signal account without creating an additional account.
In addition, the company also announced that it has made various improvements to the application interface for large screen devices. Thanks to interface adjustments especially for foldable phones, the application is aimed to better adapt to different screen sizes. These studies also contributed to the implementation of Android tablet support.
However, Signal states that the version of the Android application for large screens is not yet a completed work. The company states that the development process continues to make the interface more efficient. In addition, optimization efforts are continuing for the Chromebook application to improve the screen layout and user experience.
While Signal has maintained its security and privacy-focused approach in recent years, it continues to take steps to provide an uninterrupted usage experience across different devices. Multiple phone support addresses one of the long-awaited shortcomings, especially for users who want to use personal and work devices under the same account. In addition, thanks to optional message history transfer, users can choose between ease of use and security according to their needs. Once the update reaches all users, Signal will offer a feature set closer to rival messaging applications in terms of multi-device support.
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