Google Just Spilled Some More Details on the Pixel 4

Google isn’t letting leakers have their usual fun this year. The company already teased some official renders of the back of the device back in June, showing off how the device might look. And now, it’s revealing some more details about the features of the Pixel 4.

Following reports about Google including a motion sensor on the Pixel 4, Google is confirming that it will indeed include a Motion Sense feature on the phone. The company has made a miniature version of its Soli sensor that’s included on the top of the device, and it allows users to skip songs, snooze alarms, silence phone calls, etc. “We’ve developed a miniature version [of Soli] located at the top of Pixel 4 that senses small motions around the phone, combining unique software algorithms with the advanced hardware sensor, so it can recognize gestures and detect when you’re nearby.” the company said. Google says the company will introduce new capabilities for the Motion Sense experience in the future.

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Pixel 4 will also come with an advanced face unlock feature. Google shared a picture of all the sensors included at the top of the device, and it features three different components for the face unlock feature. All these three components work together to allow you to unlock the Pixel 4 with your face. Google says the company’s face unlock feature is implemented differently than others in the market.

It uses Soli to detect when you may want to unlock your phone, turns on the face unlock sensors, and then unlocks the device after it detects your face using the IR camera and dot projector. The company claims it will work in “almost any orientation” and even if you are holding the device upside down. Apple’s Face ID feature on the iPhone works in a similar way, and Apple has actually made a lot of progress with Face ID on the newest iPhones, so it will be interesting to see how well Google’s implementation compares against Apple’s Face ID.

Google says the company will share more details about the Pixel 4 later this year, though it’s likely it will share some more official details if there are more leaks in the near future. This is certainly a very interesting and weird way to go about a product launch, but I am not complaining. Phone companies have long stuck to this usual boring routine for product launches, so it’s nice to see Google try something different.

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Conversation 15 comments

  • Yaggs

    29 July, 2019 - 12:46 pm

    <p>Rather have this than all these other sites showing up what could be true leaked information. They probably figured this stuff is going to come out one way or another… might as well be from them.</p>

    • bluesman57

      29 July, 2019 - 12:54 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#445812"><em>In reply to Yaggs:</em></a><em> Yes, and they don't really have to worry about reducing sales of the current Pixels since they aren't selling any. Might as well go ahead and hype the new one.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

      • Skolvikings

        29 July, 2019 - 1:48 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#445816">In reply to Bluesman57:</a></em></blockquote><p>LOL… Touché</p>

  • rmlounsbury

    Premium Member
    29 July, 2019 - 1:59 pm

    <p>Face ID has improved on the iPhones but I still am not a major fan of that method of unlock. I've found that a fingerprint sensor (preferably on the back of the phone) works well. Though, I will say that the OnePlus 7's front fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable in most situations so I can't complain to much about the embedded front sensor with this generation. </p>

    • danmac

      Premium Member
      30 July, 2019 - 12:47 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#445827">In reply to rmlounsbury:</a></em></blockquote><p>Agreed, I switched from the iPhone to Pixel 2XL, because I still wanted a fingerprint reader. While I won't switch back, I do hope they continue to have fingerprint unlock in the next phones. </p>

  • Thom77

    29 July, 2019 - 3:26 pm

    <p>Hey google, I need more sensors on my phone so I can be analyzed, tracked, recorded and sold to the highest bidder more efficiently. Thanks.</p>

    • jedwards87

      29 July, 2019 - 4:48 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#445844">In reply to Thom77:</a></em></blockquote><p>I truly do not understand post like this. Just don't buy the phone or use Google services.</p>

      • toukale

        29 July, 2019 - 9:34 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#445853">In reply to jedwards87:</a></em></blockquote><p>Agreed, for some reason folks feel the need to tell the world how they feel (no one cares btw). They complain about things they have no intention to buy even when such product is clearly not intended for them. Its weird, I just don't get it. I voice my opinion like that with my wallet. I buy things that I like and simply let others enjoy what they like. If I am not paying for your gadget then I keep my mouth shut about your purchase.</p>

        • wosully

          Premium Member
          30 July, 2019 - 8:35 am

          <blockquote><em><a href="#445894">In reply to toukale:</a></em></blockquote><p>Well said. I use the phones and enjoy them, but not for everyone. Just have to give something you like. </p>

  • waethorn

    29 July, 2019 - 3:33 pm

    <p>Um….nobody picked up on the Chinese Singles day, i.e. China Tech Shopping Day?</p><p><br></p><p>11.11??</p><p><br></p><p>Possible launch day?</p>

    • jedwards87

      29 July, 2019 - 4:52 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#445847">In reply to Waethorn:</a></em></blockquote><p>What would China have to do with the release ? Is the Pixel even officially available in China ? Last year the Pixel 3 was announced on the 9th and shipped around the 18th.</p>

    • PeteB

      29 July, 2019 - 6:24 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#445847"><em>In reply to Waethorn:</em></a><em> </em>Cool clickbait headline, trying to imply it would be all titles when that's not what the guy said.</blockquote><p>Nobody cares</p>

  • minke

    29 July, 2019 - 4:33 pm

    <p>Will I have to turn off the motion sensors if I am doing something else with my hands while reading on the phone? For example, I often prop up the phone and read the morning news while eating breakfast.</p>

  • CaedenV

    30 July, 2019 - 7:36 am

    <p>Because everyone is using Sammy's no-touch features that they have offered for years?</p><p>Seriously, nobody is asking for air gestures.</p>

  • Jeffsters

    31 July, 2019 - 10:18 pm

    <p>Holly…well no room for a notch on this thing!</p>

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