The much-anticipated Google Pixel 8 and its sibling the Pixel 8 Pro, made their way to customers recently. One of the standout features was the introduction of Face Unlock for payments. Google emphasized the Pixel 8 series’ capability to use facial recognition for authentication, boasting that it aligns with “the highest Android biometric standard,” termed as Class 3. However, a Reddit user’s report suggests that this advanced security measure might not be as foolproof as advertised.
The reddit user MotorTransportation8 highlighted a weird problem with the Pixel 8 Pro’s Face Unlock system consistently recognized their brother, despite the two siblings having distinctly different appearances. This could initially sound alarming given Google’s reintroduction of Face Unlock in the Pixel 7 series last year, further enhancing its usage for payment authentication in the Pixel 8, primarily leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence innovations. The user clarified that the device’s Extend Unlock feature, which eases unlocking of nearby trusted Pixel devices, wasn’t active during their tests.
The spotlight on Face Unlock’s reliability intensifies considering Google achieved this without any specialized hardware. However, even dedicated hardware isn’t immune to errors. For instance, Apple’s Face ID used on its iPhones and iPad Pro models, can occasionally be misled, especially among siblings or younger children whose distinct facial characteristics may still be evolving.
The specific case of the Pixel 8 possibly confusing siblings underscores the complexities and challenges of facial recognition. While this appears to be an isolated incident now, its true implications will become clearer as more users share their experiences with the Pixel 8 series.
On the brighter side, early reviews such as JerryRigEverything’s durability test, suggest Google may have addressed some design and resilience issues from its previous model. With the Pixel 8 series’ durability being a significant marketing highlight, and Google’s commitment to long-term software updates and parts availability, the tech giant will surely keep a close watch on these user reports.
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