{
  "id": 12406436,
  "title": "Google could soon solve Pixel’s biggest face unlock flaw",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/google-could-soon-solve-pixels-biggest-face-unlock-flaw",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-06T15:16:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Authority",
    "slug": "android-authority",
    "url": "https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-face-active-illumination-apk-teardown-3719647/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority\n\nGoogle is reportedly in the process of developing a new feature called \"Face Active Illumination\" for its Pixel devices, according to code discovered in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1. The feature aims to address the significant flaw of face unlock becoming ineffective in low-light conditions.\n\nThe code hints at controls for adjusting display brightness, as well as toggles for bedtime, driving, dark environments, and Do Not Disturb modes. The new feature is expected to utilize the device's display brightness rather than infrared (IR) technology, although its potential link to Google's rumored Project Toscana remains unconfirmed.\n\nGoogle's current face unlock technology on recent Pixel flagship smartphones holds Class 3 biometric certification, but its performance in dimly lit environments has long been a source of frustration for users. The introduction of \"Face Active Illumination\" could potentially resolve this issue and enhance the overall user experience for Pixel device owners, especially in low-light settings.",
  "summary": "Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 code points to a new \"Face Active Illumination\" feature in the works.",
  "key_points": [
    "Google developing 'Face Active Illumination' for Pixel devices",
    "Addresses face unlock flaw in low-light conditions",
    "Utilizes display brightness instead of infrared technology"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Google Pixel Watch 5 falls to $334.99 in its first price drop!",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/google-pixel-watch-5-falls-to-334-99-in-its-first-price-drop",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:27:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "XDA Developers",
        "title": "Pixel 11 users are reporting Google Maps freezes and strange visual glitches in Android Auto",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/pixel-11-users-are-reporting-google-maps-freezes-and-strange-visual",
        "published": "2026-10-06T16:02:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}