Google’s Upcoming Pixel 4 Smartphone Features Face Unlock and Gesture Recognition

Ahead of the launch of its new flagship smartphone, the Pixel 4, Google has been sharing details on the device to get ahead of leaks.

The design of the Pixel 4 was unveiled in June, and today, Google offered up a look at some of the features that will be included in the new smartphone, including Face Unlock and Motion Sense.

Face Unlock is designed to unlock the Pixel 4 much like Face ID unlocks modern iPhones, and the Pixel 4 is even using a 3D sensing camera similar to the iPhone X and later.

There are two Face Unlock IR cameras, an ambient light/proximity sensor, a Soli radar chip that powers Face Unlock and other features, a dot projector, and a Face Unlock flood illuminator.

The Face Unlock feature on the Google Pixel 4 will support secure payments and app authentication, which is unique as most Android devices do not have a secure enough facial recognition system to allow it to be used for payments.


Google says that it is designing its facial recognition system differently than Apple’s, making it a more fluid experience that works in any orientation.

According to Google, when you reach for the Pixel 4, the face unlock sensors are activated, recognizing that you want to unlock your phone. If the face unlock sensor recognizes you, the phone will open as you pick it up, all in one motion.

Google suggests this is superior to other methods such as the Face ID unlocking sequence on iPhones. “Other phones require you to lift the device all the way up, pose in a certain way, wait for it to unlock, and then swipe to get to the homescreen,” read’s Google’s blog post on the feature. “Pixel 4 does all of that in a much more streamlined way.”

As with Face ID, Face Unlock works on device, so no facial recognition data is shared with Google or Google services. Google says that face data is stored in the Pixel’s Titan M security chip, which sounds similar to the Secure Enclave used in Apple’s iPhones.

The aforementioned Soli radar chip is designed to sense small motions around the phone, which enables the sensors to activate when you reach for the device and also powers a new Motion Sense feature. Motion Sense will allow users to skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls by waving a hand in front of the phone.

Rumors have suggested that Apple is also working on iPhones that will incorporate touchless gesture controls for release in the future, though we’ve heard little about the feature and it’s not known when iPhones with this functionality might launch.

As with Google’s Motion Sense feature, rumors about Apple’s work on gesture-based controls indicate that iPhone users would be able to navigate the operating system by moving their finger close to the screen without actually tapping it.

There’s no official word on when Google will launch the Pixel 4, but past Pixel devices have come out in October, so it’s likely that this year’s launch will also be in October. That’ll allow Google to release its new flagship device approximately a month after Apple unveils its new 2019 iPhone lineup in September.

Tags: Google, Google Pixel
This article, “Google’s Upcoming Pixel 4 Smartphone Features Face Unlock and Gesture Recognition” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumors-All?d=6W8y8wAjSf4 MacRumors-All?d=qj6IDK7rITs

Related posts

Latest posts

Chrome tab groups now allow mobile-desktop sync, and it’s utter chaos

Do I want to see my mobile tab groups on PC? Yes, but only the work stuff. My Reddit memes on desktop? Oh, heck no. It also acts very weird, as per irked users.

I tried a stylus with location tracking. It ruined Apple Pencil for me

The ESR Geo Digital Pencil adds Apple Find My support at a fraction of the Apple Pencil's sticker price. Is it reliable? Let's just say ESR schools Apple!

Google Pixel phone’s Emergency SOS sent a person’s nudes to friends

The emergency assistance system on Pixel phones can also record videos and share it with your friends and family members. You can choose to disable it, though.

Motorola reminds me that I don’t need the best

Motorola is the king of budget phones, but it's clear the company hasn't been resting on its laurels.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are now 20% OFF for Presidents’ Day at Best Buy

Samsung's Galaxy 3 Pro AI earbuds are currently 20% OFF at Best Buy for the retailer's Presidents' Day sale.

News Weekly: OnePlus skips the Open 2, Android 16 Beta 2 arrives on Pixels, and more

This week took us through OnePlus' decision to stall its next foldable, Android Beta 2 arrived, Samsung devices got a

TSMC in dilemma as US pushes ‘Made in USA’ strategy with Intel

The U.S. government has given the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC three proposals to keep producing with the country, which brought up several challenges.

I’ve found a perfect use for the Galaxy Ring, but I can’t recommend it

The Samsung Galaxy Ring was a miss for me — but I've still managed to find the perfect use for it. Only, I can't recommend it to anyone. Here's why.

Why I’m sad this delightful iPhone camera is about to go away

It looks certain Apple will take the 12-megapixel away from its cheapest iPhone very soon. Let me explain why I'm sad about it.

Moto G Power 2025 review: A solid $300 phone

What makes the Moto G Power 2025 a great phone despite being just $300? Find out in our review.