Google offers a new feature for Android devices with the aim of adding some convenience and security on the phone's unlocking mechanism. Dubbed "on-body detection," the feature works by using accelerometer sensors in detecting human touch in order to automatically adjust the phone's lock mode.
With this feature, the device can determine whether the owner is holding his handset or not, has placed it inside his pocket and has left it on a table. It will remain unlocked for as long as the device is being held or is being kept inside one's pocket. Once the phone is kept away or is not within easy reach, the phone's locking feature will start again. When the phone is picked up, it will again require the user to manually type in the passcode or use fingerprint scan to unlock the device.
The new feature will allow the device to easily and automatically detect human touch, making it more convenient for users who believe that unlocking their devices several times a day can be annoying. Apart from the added convenience, the new feature also adds security against potential thieves who may target for the device if it is left unattended or has been spotted at a place that is away from the owner's view.
The security option comes with other essential security features that users would surely find appealing. These include trusted faces, trusted devices, and trusted places.
The new feature is just one among the other smart-locking features that Google has been adding to its Android mobile OS. With the launch of Android Lollipop version 5.0, smartphones can easily detect when an NFC tag or a trusted Bluetooth device is within acceptable range. Once detected, the device automatically disables its security lock feature.
While the on-body detection feature can discern if the device is being held, there is no way for it to determine if it is the owner who is holding the device or it is a different person. This means that passing the device to another person while on an unlocked state will keep the phone unlocked.
The new on-body detection feature had been spotted on Nexus 4 that runs on Android 5.0.1. It is said that the feature would require Android OS versions of 5.0 or higher for it to work.
