Pixel 4 features include Motion Sense and Face Unlock
Everyone expected Google to continue with the Pixel family and the rumors about what the upcoming Pixel 4 could be like started appearing even back in June, even though the expected release date would be in October if we follow the pattern from previous years. Google confirmed its plans in June by tweeting a photo of the backside of Pixel 4, and today it has again pleased its fans by releasing the official teaser that gave us even closer insight in two new Pixel 4 features.
Made by Google posted a teaser video alongside a blog post “(Don’t) hold the phone”, which were intended to reveal even more Pixel 4 features to the excited crowd. The focus is on two features that are a part of the long-term ambient computing vision of the company: face unlock and motion sensors. Later is related to the previous rumor that the upcoming smartphone is going to have a Project Soli radar chip which would add a non-compatible feature to the device.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnRbXWojW7c
Google starts off by explaining the Motion Sense feature. It confirms that Pixel 4 features will include a motion-sensing radar known as Soli. It bases itself on object detection that has been used for quite some time, but the company created a miniature version that is going to be located in the top bezel. Finally, it makes sense why the bezel appears to be quite thick in the renders. Relying on the uniquely programmed software algorithms and the sensor, new generation of Pixel will be able to recognize gestures around it and perform actions based on them, which includes skipping songs, snoozing alarms, turning down phone calls. You just have to wave at it. Google already revealed that with future Pixel generation, Motion Sense feature will be kept and improved. Unfortunately, the feature won’t be available in all countries.
The second feature mentioned is Face unlock. Pixel 4 is not going to be the first smartphone to have the feature, but Google promises it will be engineered differently. The difference is supposed to bring more safety and straight-forward functionality to an already well-known feature. The company explains that users won’t be required to hold the phone at a certain angle or pose in order to unlock the phone, as it will once again rely on Soli radar that would predict the way users might want to unlock the phone. This means that the moment you pick up your phone, it will be unlocked if it matches the registered face, even if you are holding it upside-down. Moreover, users can use face recognition for payments and app authentication, not only unlocking of the device.
Lastly, the blog post focuses on data safety which was in focus for most, if not all, tech giants lately. Google explains that for facial recognition, image data is being processed on the device rather than being sent somewhere which ensures that any images can’t be saved or shared with other Google services. Pixel 4 is going to rely on Titan M security chip that will be responsible for storing all the data securely and preventing any misuse.
ALSO READ: Google Pixel 4 Release Date & Specs Rumors
