San Francisco, Oct 18: Google has recently launched its latest Pixel 4 series smartphones with face unlock for biometric authentication in New York. But this feature comes with a major flaw, as it could unlock the phone even if users were not looking at it. According to BBC reporter Chris Fox, the face unlock mechanism works even when the device owner has his eyes shut. He tried this with different users and the same thing happened. The US based search engine giant was so sure about its Face Unlock's security that the company had removed all the fingerprint sensors from the Pixel 4 handsets. Google Pixel 2 Series Smartphones Will Support Stadia Gaming Service: Report.
"The Pixel 4 facial recognition works even if you're asleep/dead. That seems problematic #madebygoogle #pixel4," Chris tweeted along with a video.
Google seems to be aware of the problem, stating on a Pixel 4 help page that: "Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it's held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed. Keep your phone in a safe place, like your front pocket or handbag." 2019 Diwali Offers on Phones: Best Smartphones Under Rs 10,000 To Buy; Realme 5, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S, Redmi 8, Moto G7 & Other Mobiles.
Google claims that the Pixel 4 Face Unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric and it is one of the most secure face unlock solutions. The Google Pixel 4 comes with a starting price tag of $799 and Pixel 4 XL for $899. The phones will ship globally from October 24. Google Pixel 4 and XL Won't Be Available For Diwali Sale as Tech Giant Ditches India.
In terms of specifications, Pixel 4 features a 5.7-inch Full HD+ Smooth 90Hz display. The Pixel 4 XL, on the other hand, comes with a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Smooth 90Hz display. Both the devices are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2019 07:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).