[Video] Google Shows Off Pixel 4 Soli-Powered Face Unlock, Gesture Controls

Google is continuing to hype the upcoming Pixel 4 via social media, this time showcasing the phone’s new face unlock feature, as well as Motion Sense gesture controls via the new Soli radar chip array.




Companies like Samsung, Apple, Vivo, OnePlus and many others are already using face unlock on their phones. Until now Google relied on the back-mounted fingerprint sensor for the Pixel. With the face unlock, Pixel 4 should finally be able to match Apple. That being said, a majority of Android phones struggle when it comes to face unlock. They use a selfie camera which is not exactly efficient.

The Pixel 4 Teaser video shows a woman unlocking the device in darkness. This leads us to believe that Pixel 4 will employ an array of sensors including depth, infrared and RGD for face unlock feature. If implemented properly, the feature should be able to detect different types of faces in varied light conditions. You can see the video below:

Here is what Google said about this:

Pixel 4 is in the works – here’s an early look at some new tech coming to next-generation Pixel this Fall. This tech enables two new features – Motion Sense and face unlock – helping you to get things done without having to touch it.

Moving on, Project Soli uses radar technology in order to detect hand movements above the phone. This means you can use gestures to operate Pixel devices. In the past, Google has demonstrated how one could use a gesture that involves rubbing the thumb and index finger to simulate a dial turning operation. Apparently, Google is also using Project Soli chip to detect when your hands are reaching out for the device and activating the face unlock sensors.

Looking at all of this information I can’t stress this enough. If you think all of this tech isn’t enough to justify a bezel that actually looks thinner than the Pixel 3 XL’s notch, you’re just wrong. Google’s design here allows space for all of this technology without cutting into the screen, all while it appears to be slimming things down on the whole compared to its previous generation.

I love Pixel hype.