While today’s Android Q Beta 4 update may not seem to have changed too much visually, it appears there may be a lot more going under the surface. The latest example of this is that “Smart Lock” may be getting rebranded to “Pixel Presence” on Google Pixel devices with Android Q.
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.
Yesterday, we reported that in the latest Google Play Services update, Google removed the Trusted Places Smart Lock that can disable an Android phone’s lockscreen security when they’re at a specified location. Now, with no word from Google, Trusted Places is back.
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.
One of the newest features to come to Chrome OS is the ability to unlock your computer using your Android smartphone. Setting it up is pretty straightforward, only requiring that you have both devices in hand. When finished, you will be able to get into your Chromebook by merely unlocking your phone…
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…
A growing number of hotels are now allowing people to use their smartphone to unlock their doors. The Hilton hotel group, which first started experimenting with the technology three years ago, says that the security of the system is now firmly proven …
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.
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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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.
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.