Face unlocking of the Pixel 4 to become more secure
Google's latest Pixel phone can be unlocked with the new facial recognition feature even when eyes are closed. Because this invites abuse, Google is already working on an update.
No sooner have the new Pixel phones been unveiled than a reporter from the BBC discovers that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL's face unlock feature also works when the user's eyes are closed. This is not a disaster - but in theory, the device could simply be held in front of a sleeping person's face and the phone would be unlocked.
The new Pixel devices no longer have a fingerprint sensor, but only facial recognition. This is based on infrared waves and the front camera, which should make it possible to unlock the device with your eyes closed.
Google itself has now acknowledged and confirmed the problem. According to Google, users can currently work around the problem with the latest Pixel devices by switching off face unlock completely and using a PIN code. Or they can activate the "Lockdown" function in the settings, where the phone can be locked manually by holding down the on/off button for a few seconds. In the latter case, the phone must also be unlocked with a code after successful facial recognition. Or you simply don't sleep around strangers.
Make haste with time
Google says it is already working on the update, although the Californians don't seem to be in any particular hurry.
Because Google says in the statement: [[pullquote:We are working on an option that requires your eyes to be open to unlock the phone. It will be delivered in a software update in the coming months.]]
In the coming months - this means that the update will not be available before market launch.
Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.