User reported issues with cell phone facial recognition. Find out more now!
Google launched its two new flagship phones earlier this month, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The company highlighted the phones' many features during the launch, including Class 3 certified face unlock for use in payment apps. However, a user of the model reported that his brother was able to unlock the phone, which put Google's security system in doubt.
The story was posted on Reddit by user MotorTransportation8, who said he watched a YouTuber's video where one of his main talking points was how the Pixel 8 had much better face unlock, allowing it to be used in more secure apps. And after he set up the phone, the Pixel 8 Pro, and got home, his brother picked up the phone to see if he could unlock it with his face. He explained that they both have the same facial features, despite being very different, but that the phone was unlocked.
He also explained that the same problem did not occur with his brother's phone, the Pixel 7 Pro, as he tried but was unable to unlock it using facial recognition. Learn more about this problem on the device and find out if Google has officially positioned itself on the matter.
Face Unlock
Despite Google's explanation of its new features and increased security in facial unlocking, according to the user's report, unlocking the Pixel 8 Pro was deceived by his brother, something that should only happen in the case of identical twins, since the device uses artificial intelligence to verify the user's face.
The user also reported that “to make sure he wasn’t going crazy” he decided to test his own face on the Pixel 7 Pro brother's phone and the smartphone did not unlock. Unfortunately, no photo was provided by him to compare the faces of the two users, but this is a very worrying concern, as it shows that even the Class 3 unlocking method is not the most reliable, especially since the two users are not identical twins.
Therefore, the best recommendation is to use fingerprint, password or pattern unlocking if you want to keep your data more secure, preventing it from being accessed by people who do not have the correct password. This is the first case reporting problems on the Pixel 8 Pro, which was released earlier this month. Therefore, we have to wait for more confirmation before saying whether this is a problem with just one unit or if it affects all of them and will need to be fixed through a software update.
Launch
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were officially announced by Google on the 4th of this month, at an event that also announced new features of the Android 14 and the brand's new smartwatch. Both phones come with a new processor, more advanced photography features that use artificial intelligence and operating system updates for 7 years, which is unprecedented for devices that use the Android OS.
The Pixel 8 was launched with a starting price of US$$699 and the Pixel 8 Pro arrived with an initial cost of US$$999. Like the other models in the Pixel line, it is likely that the new devices will also not be officially launched in Brazil, and can only be purchased through importers.
