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PSA: Smart Lock on-body detection leaves your Android device unlocked longer while charging

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Before the days of fingerprint sensors and face unlocking, the only way into our phones was with a PIN or password. That’s why the addition of smart lock back in Android Lollipop was so appreciated. Recently, though, we’ve become aware of a smart lock flaw on Android that leaves your device unlocked for longer than it should. Here’s what you need to know.


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‘Trusted Places’ removed from Android’s Smart Lock in latest Play Services update

There are a ton of different ways to unlock your Android smartphone, but one of the most convenient before the days of biometric authentication was common was Smart Lock. Over the years, Google has added to the feature and also taken parts away. Now, in the latest Play Services update, Google has removed the “Trusted Places” option.


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How to unlock your Android device with camera-based face recognition

One of the headlining new features Apple is touting with the announcement of the iPhone X is the facial recognition tech used to unlock the handset. If you’re an Android user and you’re jealous of this feature, you shouldn’t be. While it’s not nearly as advanced (or secure) as the Face ID feature built-in to the iPhone X, Android has had facial recognition technology for some time now…


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Google has identified a fix for Smart Lock’s ‘Trusted voice’ turning off, workaround available

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Smart Lock is one of Android’s most underrated features and makes security less of a hassle. However, a recent bug keeps automatically disabling the ‘Trusted voice’ option, thus making “Ok Google” slightly less convenient. Fortunately, a fix has now been identified and is rolling out soon.


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August unveils $49 Connect accessory enabling Internet access to its Smart Lock

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Smart lock maker August announced its latest device today at CES 2015 simply dubbed ‘Connect’. The August Connect is an WiFi-connected device that plugs into a power outlet in your home to provide the Bluetooth-connected August Smart Lock with a constant Internet connection. August says its latest accessory enables several new features for owners of its smart lock product…
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Smart Lock keeps your Chromebook unlocked using your Android Lollipop phone

 

A new feature called Smart Lock has now made its way to Chromebooks, allowing users to keep their Chrome OS-running laptops unlocked by simply keeping their Lollipop Android phone in relative vicinity. The feature was first introduced earlier this year at Google I/O 2014, and has been part of Lollipop since the OS started rolling out last month. But only just now, about 6 months after it was shown off, is the feature rolling out to Chromebooks (via ComputerWorld) running the Dev Channel of Chrome OS.


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Motorola’s $25 Keylink will help you find your misplaced smartphone with the push of a button

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Between the release of the Moto X, Droid Turbo and taking on a new taskmaster, Motorola Mobility has been extremely busy. With no signs of slowing down, the former Google company just announced the availability of the Keylink, a Bluetooth-powered fob that helps you find your misplaced keys or smartphone.


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