The Pixel 4 launch might not be happening until October, but Google is already talking up some of the new functionality coming to its next flagship smartphone. In a blog post published today, the search giant revealed the Pixel 4 will feature facial recognition and motion sensing technology that allows you to interact with the device without touching it.
Rather than using 2D facial recognition as found on most Android smartphones, the Pixel 4 will have a more sophisticated 3D facial recognition setup a la the iPhone XS. This combines a front facing camera with two infrared cameras, and a flood illuminator for more secure unlock technology. Google says face unlock will work no matter what orientation you're holding your Pixel 4, even if it's upside down. As with Face ID on the iPhone, you'll be able to use the Pixel 4's face unlock for payments and app authentication.
What's even more interesting is Motion Sense. Using a small radar called Soli, the Pixel 4 is able to detect small motions around the phone. For example, this will let you skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls by waving your hand. Google says these features are just the start, and will continue to evolve over time. Motion Sense may not be available in all markets, however.
Google's blog post suggests a few interesting titbits. The image detailing the Pixel 4's sensors only shows one front-facing camera, unlike the Pixel 3 which had a standard selfie camera and a wide-angle selfie camera. It also suggests the Pixel 4 will have a rather chunky forehead bezel, rather than a notch. In addition, the emphasis on face unlock seems to imply that the Pixel 4 won't have an in-screen fingerprint reader. We already know the Pixel 4 won't have a rear-facing fingerprint reader, thanks to an image shared by Google earlier this year.
Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4 in October.
Alex Choros
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