Face unlocking on the Pixel 7 is not so simple.

The new unlock method works using the front-facing camera and machine-learning facial recognition model. However, you will only be able to use it to unlock the device.

According to Android's Compatibility Definition for the phone unlock on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, this biometrics method is class 1 (convenience). So you won't be able to use face unlock for payment/biometric authentication in apps because it's not so secure. In those cases, you will still need authentication by fingerprint.

This was stated by Google itself in a comment to Felix Frank .

Google News | En

The new unified Security & Privacy settings page in Android 13 will officially appear on Pixel devices by the end of this year. After that, it will come to the rest of Android devices.

It includes new action cards that notify you about any security issues and offers simple steps to improve your security and privacy.

Google News | En

Google has confirmed the upcoming Cough and Snore Detection feature.

It will work through the Digital Wellness app. You will also be able to view statistics in the Clock app on the Bedtime page.

It's still unclear if the feature will appear on the rest of the Pixel devices with Android 13, since Google mentioned it in the context of the Pixel 7.

🔗 Support page

Google News | En

Assistant Voice Typing will get support for new languages.

In addition to English, German, and Japanese, the feature will support French, Italian, and Spanish.

Also, you will now be automatically prompted with emoji corresponding to your messages. You can also search for voice emoji like "hey emoji" 👋, "winky emoji" 😜 or "LOL emoji" 😂.

Google News | En

At a Glance widget will get three new features.

• Package alerts from Nest Doorbell;
• Flight-related information, such as baggage claim location and destination weather forecast;
• Weather alerts. Next to the status and temperature icon, you'll see the new "Rain expected around 10 a.m." alert and other daily forecasts, including one for snow.

Google News | En

Google Recorder v4.0 is already available on APK Mirror. How to install now?

Once installed, you will have the option to change the playback speed, accessible from the three dots menu.

However, because of the AppIntegrity feature introduced in Android 11, Google does not make it so easy to sideload some of its apps. There are two workarounds for this.

• Non-root solution: Remove Google Play Services app updates, then update them using this link. After that you will have a short window during which you can sideload the APK.

• Root Solution. There are two options:

1) Use the Xposed module to disable AppIntegrity .
2) Forbid to read /data/system/integrity_rules directory, for example via ADB command (first adb shell, then su): chmod -rwx /data/system/integrity_rules . After sideloading the app you can restore the directory permissions.

But, you may be lucky and the app will install without any manipulations ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

🔗 Mishaal Rahman

🔗 Google Recorder v4.0 on APK Mirror

Google News | En

How to enable the QR code scanner shortcut on the Android 13 lock screen? [Root]

In Android 13, Mishaal Rahman discovered a system framework property "config_enableQrCodeScannerOnLockScreen" that enables a shortcut to the same QR code scanner on the lock screen as in the quick settings tile. By default, this option is set to false and there is no user switch to it.

Especially for you we made a Magisk module that enables this config.

Google News | En

What new Pixel 7 series features will be available on older Pixel devices?

Google gave a commentary to Phone Arena news portal.
So, the features that will be available in Google Tensor based devices:

• Clear calling
• New "Silence" quick phrase (in addition to "stop" and "snooze")
• Enhanced Real Tone algorithm
• Spatial audio for Pixel Buds Pro
• Guided Frame

What all Pixel devices starting with the 4a will get:

• New "At a glance" widget features
• Audio messages transcription in the Google Messages app

Unfortunately, when Phone Arena asked Google if it had any plans to create a Face Unlock feature for the Pixel 6 Pro, the company said it had nothing to share at this point.

🔗 Phone Arena

Curated Culture wallpaper set updated with 3 new wallpapers by Burnt Toast dedicated to the World Mental Health Day.

• Rest
“A character in hiding taking some much needed time to re-energize and recentre.”

• Listen
“Listening is a key part of communication. Find time to call on your friends and listen in on what they have going on.”

• Self-Love
“If you love your reflection it simply has to love you back. Self-love can do wonders for your mental health.”

Google News | En