Google confirms it's fixing the facial-recognition feature on the Pixel 4 after a security gap would let anyone unlock your phone while your eyes are closed
Antonio Villas-Boas
Oct 21, 2019, 19:48 IST
Monica Chin/Business Insider
It was discovered that the Pixel 4's advanced facial recognition system would unlock the phone even when the owner's eyes were closed, which surfaced concerns about the Pixel 4's security in certain situations, like when you're asleep.
Google addressed the concerns by confirming that it'll roll out a software update that will include an option that requires an owner's eyes to be open to unlock the Pixel 4.
The security on Google's newly announced Pixel 4 smartphones was under scrutiny before its release when it was revealed that the phone's facial recognition would unlock the phone when your eyes are closed.
The concern was that anyone could unlock your Pixel 4, even when you're asleep or unconscious, without you knowing. It could even be unlocked after death.
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Google confirmed on Sunday that it's adding an option to the Pixel 4's facial recognition that will require an owner's eyes to be open to unlock the phone. The option will be included in a software update "in the coming months," Google told Business Insider.
By contrast, Apple's Face ID by default doesn't unlock the iPhone unless the owner's eyes are open. Face ID does offer an option that lets the iPhone unlock even when an owner's eyes are closed, but it's seen as the less secure option.
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The Pixel 4 won't land in people's hands or store shelves until October 24, seemingly before Google's update will be rolled out. For people concerned that their Pixel 4 can be unlocked with their eyes closed before the update is rolled out, Google suggests Pixel 4 owners "can activate a security feature that requires a pin, pattern or password for the next unlock."
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