Apple’s iPhone seems to be receiving all the help it can get from rivals. Within a span of a week, Samsung and Google have seen their flagship phones develop security flaws, handing the advantage to the Cupertino-based tech major.
Samsung acknowledged last week, that its Galaxy S10 and S10+ phones could be unlocked by unauthorized users using the on-screen fingerprint sensor if the phone had a screen protector over the display. The Korean manufacturer assuaged customers that a software update was on the way, asking them to switch of facial recognition or a passcode till the problem was rectified.
A new discovery by a journalist has revealed that the Pixel 4’s facial recognition system works even when its owner’s eyes aren’t open, raising concerns that this flaw will allow phones to be unlocked by anyone when the owner is asleep.
This will enable unauthorized individuals to snoop on private information like call logs, messages, and data stored in third-party apps like financial and medical data. The latest iteration of Google’s smartphone, the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL will ship on October 24, with the security glitch unrectified.
A Google representative told a news magazine that the issue will be fixed via a software update ‘in the coming months.’ In the meantime, early adopters will have to tread with caution whilst using the face unlock feature. The problem was first detected by a BBC journalist who received a review copy prior to the phone’s official release date.
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For those wary of facial recognition technology, the phone offers the usual modes of unlocking the display. Users given to dozing off with their phones unattended can set a pin as the default unlock mode by altering the settings for ‘advanced and lock screen display.’ Google has directed users to tap ‘security and location’, followed by ‘lock screen preferences’ to disable face unlock.
Despite the clamour, Google has been defensive of its technology, saying that its face unlock system is compliant with ‘the security requirements as a strong biometric.’ It has also reiterated that the new Pixel smartphone has passed tests against invalid login attempts such as the use of masks to trick the facial recognition software.
Meet Google's New Hardware Family: Pixel 4 & 4 XL, Nest Mini & Wifi, Pixelbook Go, Pixel Buds & Stadia
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Tech enthusiasts, rejoice! The much-awaited and anticipated ‘Made By Google’ event, held in New York City, gave the world of tech a lot to talk about in the days to come. If the social media reactions are to be believed, the event managed to live up to the hype and expectations.
The products launched by Google - Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Pixel Buds 2, Google Nest Mini and Pixelbook 2 - generated a lot of buzz online. If you happened to miss the event, fret not! We have made a compilation of all the major announcements that happened at the event to keep you in the loop. Read on, and get yourself up to date.
Tech enthusiasts, rejoice! The much-awaited and anticipated ‘Made By Google’ event, held in New York City, gave the world of tech a lot to talk about in the days to come. If the social media reacti..
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With Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Google took the phone-interaction experience a notch higher. The tech company claimed that these devices have the fastest face unlock feature, and is the first smartphone to have a radar sensor. The motion sensor detects the proximity of the user, and reacts accordingly.
It has a 12MP + 16MP dual rear camera and a 8MP front camera which comes with the computational photography feature. The camera has a Live HDR+ capability which allows it to capture extremely bright or dark images. What’s more? Night Sight feature allows us to take magnificent pictures and dusk shots.
While it was not announced during the launch, TOI reported that Pixel 4 XL was unveiled as well. It comes with a 6.3-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 4 has a 2800 mAh battery, while the bigger sibling is backed by a 3700 mAh. Both are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and 6GB RAM. Both will be available in 64GB and 128GB variants.
Pixel 4 comes in 3 colours - Just Black, Clearly White and a limited edition Oh-So-Orange. Both available for pre-order starting today.
With Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Google took the phone-interaction experience a notch higher. The tech company claimed that these devices have the fastest face unlock feature, and is the first smartphone to ..
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The new Pixelbook Go has state-of-the-art design. It is made up of light magnesium which gives it a smooth matte finish. The device has a rippled, wavy bottom which makes the laptop easier to hold. Google is offering a 15% larger battery so users can spend longer hours away from the charging point. Pixelbook Go is available only in Black, and the Pink colour-variant will be available soon.
The new Pixelbook Go has state-of-the-art design. It is made up of light magnesium which gives it a smooth matte finish. The device has a rippled, wavy bottom which makes the laptop easier to hold...
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The next generation Google Nest Mini is made up of 100% recycled plastic bottles, of course, without any compromise on the aesthetics and functions. It comes in pastel colours, including the new Sky Blue which helps it blend into the home decor easily. It comes with a third microphone so rest assured, you will be heard even in noisy environments.
It has a dedicated machine learning chip, and a home intercom, home alert system and a home phone, which allows you to call anyone in the world with Google Duo. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
The next generation Google Nest Mini is made up of 100% recycled plastic bottles, of course, without any compromise on the aesthetics and functions. It comes in pastel colours, including the new Sk..
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The Nest WiFi is a standalone router which, much like Nest Mini, is available in different colours. The Nest router plugs into the modem and expands the WiFi coverage at home. It increases the speed two times and provides 25% more coverage. Now that’s one helluva upgrade to Google WiFi!
The Nest WiFi is a standalone router which, much like Nest Mini, is available in different colours. The Nest router plugs into the modem and expands the WiFi coverage at home. It increases the spee..
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Ambient technology or technology that fades into background was a major theme at the Google event. As a result, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds has gone completely wireless. They are like ‘floating computers’ in your ear, as Google termed it at the event. They are powered by long-range, bluetooth technology that allows the earbuds to stay connected to your phone as long as three bedrooms away.
The best part about the buds is that they provide a hands-free access to the Google assistant. Google has also worked on its battery life. The buds provide 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, and makes good use of on-device machine learning chips. Pixel Buds 2 will be available next year in spring.
Ambient technology or technology that fades into background was a major theme at the Google event. As a result, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds has gone completely wireless. They are like ‘..
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Google introduced all the gamers to its cloud generation gaming platform, Stadia, that will launch on November 19. The platform will allow users to play games wherever they want. As a part of Google's go green initiative this year, gamers require on only a controller and screen which will minimise the hardware usage while playing.
Google introduced all the gamers to its cloud generation gaming platform, Stadia, that will launch on November 19. The platform will allow users to play games wherever they want. As a part of Googl..
