Last week it was discovered that the forthcoming Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL smartphones have a serious security flaw. The Face Unlock feature works even when a user's eyes are closed, opening the way for someone else to unlock your phone as you sleep or are unconscious.
At the time, Google confirmed this was a feature, not a bug, and that "Pixel 4 Face Unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric." However, as Thurrott reports, the coverage of this security shortfall, especially considering Apple requires eyes be open for Face ID, has triggered a statement from Google attempting to clear up the situation and put potential Pixel 4 purchasers at ease.
In the statement, Google explains, "We've been working on an option for users to require their eyes to be open to unlock the phone, which will be delivered in a software update in the coming months ... In the meantime, if any Pixel 4 users are concerned that someone may take their phone and try to unlock it while their eyes are closed, they can activate a security feature that requires a PIN, pattern, or password for the next unlock. Pixel 4 face unlock meets the security requirements as a strong biometric, and can be used for payments and app authentication, including banking apps. It is resilient against invalid unlock attempts via other means, like with masks."
Releasing an eyes open update "in the coming months" gives Google a large window in which to deliver it, and I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being a 2020 roll out. As Google also points out, you can take extra precautions until it does by using alternative security measures.
For anyone already determined to buy a Pixel 4, I doubt this will change their mind. Google's latest phone in either form is great, with PCMag's review concluding that it "offers powerful hardware, innovative software that actually makes your life easier, and the best cameras you'll find on a smartphone." If you have to be a little bit more careful about security for a few months on such a great phone, so be it!
The Pixel 4 can be pre-ordered right now and will ship by Oct. 24.