Google has given a statement promising that it will issue a software update that will unlock the phone for users only if their eyes are open. Google says that it has “been working on an option for users to require their eyes to be open to unlock the phone, which will be delivered in a software update in the coming months.”
Last week, it was reported by some early Pixel 4 users, that the Pixel 4’s face unlock feature does not require the user’s eyes to be open. This meant that it could potentially allow anyone unauthorized access to the device. Google, being already aware of this acknowledged the same in a Pixel 4 support page.
The face unlock of Google is similar to Apple’s Face ID, but with one major difference; iPhones require your eyes to be open by default for Face ID security whereas Pixel 4 does not. Without requiring your eyes to be open, the face unlocks feature on Pixel 4 has understandably raised concerns in terms of privacy and safety.
In the meantime, if any Pixel 4 users are concerned with their security lock “they can activate a security feature that requires a pin, pattern, or password for the next unlock,” a Google spokesperson.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are Google’s latest phones launched at an event on October 15 alongside several other Google products. The phones cost $799 and $899, respectively, and will go on sale from October 24.
