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Google’s new iOS app taps TouchID to keep naughty searches private

Google has released a new version of its search app for iOS, which adds an incognito mode that secures searches behind the TouchID fingerprint sensor.

The mode would make it possible to only access private tabs through biometric authentication. So, if another person is using your phone or tablet you won’t have to worry about prying.

Naturally, these searches will not be tied to Google accounts, but data will not be hidden from ISPs or Google itself.

Related: Is this the new Google Pixel phone?

The incognito mode is already available in the Chrome and Safari web browsers.

Google Incog

In the updated iTunes listing Google wrote: “Search privately with incognito mode — Turn on “incognito mode” in settings and your search and browsing history will not be saved. You can also enable Touch ID for incognito mode, ensuring that only you can re-enter your existing incognito session if you exit the app. Pro tip: you can also enter incognito mode with a 3D Touch shortcut by hard pressing on the app icon.”

Elsewhere Google has also added the ability to instantly play YouTube videos directly from search results without having to open the web browser or the app.

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