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We’re only days away from the big reveal of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but the leaks probably won’t dry up until the launch event gets underway. The latest information emerging on the flagship phones relates to details of face unlock and eSIM features.
This is from Android expert Mishal Rahman (opens in new tab) (through android police (opens in new tab)), who has delved into the code in the Google Play Console – which is the platform used by developers to manage the availability of their apps on Android.
Google has done some groundwork for the arrival of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro – codenamed Panther and Cheetah respectively – and that means some of the features of the new phones are now listed in the Google Play Console database.
Oh, and also, both Pixel 7s declare support for “android.hardware.biometrics.face”, meaning they support secure face unlock! pic.twitter.com/vjGdkWgvj9September 29, 2022
Trading Features
Based on the code now in place, full face unlock is coming to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The feature was omitted on the Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 phones, as they were one of the selling points of the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL.
Google originally described dropping face unlock as a “good trade-off” in terms of the overall feature set offered by the Pixels, but there’s been consistent chatter about the idea of it coming back for the Pixel 7 — and even retroactively. power also rolled out to the Pixel 6 phones.
The other tidbit revealed here is that the phones seem poised to support dual eSIM configurations, rather than one physical SIM and one eSIM. Whether that means the Pixel 7 handsets will come without SIM trays – at least in some regions – remains to be seen. The launch event is scheduled for Thursday, October 6.
Analysis: The Pixels can get their Face ID back
It’s not certain that the code spotted in the Google Play Console will equal full, secure face unlock on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but it certainly looks more likely. It looks like at least some form of facial recognition will be offered.
Apple has, of course, gone all-in with Face ID on its recent iPhones, except for the budget iPhone SE. As a phone unlocking method, it’s fast, convenient, and secure, and Google should have added it to the Pixel line sooner.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL included special radar sensor technology that could map a face incredibly quickly from a wide variety of angles. Face unlock worked so well on those phones that it almost seemed like the lock screen wasn’t there.
Having the same friction-free unlocking experience would be an absolute plus for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro – and given that several specs are expected to match their Pixel 6 predecessors, it looks like the new phones could boast a few upgrades. .