Google May Fix One Of Pixel Face Unlock’s Biggest Problems With Android 17

Google could soon make Face Unlock more useful on Pixel phones by addressing one of its biggest limitations- unlocking the phone in low-light conditions. The feature has been spotted by Android Authority during an APK teardown.

Code found in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 suggests the company is working on a new feature called Face Active Illumination, which could use the phone’s screen to light up the user’s face when there is not enough light for facial recognition.

Now even though Google is yet to announce the feature officially, the code offers a glimpse of how the feature could work and the settings users may get to control it.

Google Could Add A Brighten Screen In Low Light Feature

The feature appears to be listed under the name 'Brighten screen in low light’ in the Face Unlock settings. As the name suggests, it would increase the screen’s brightness to illuminate the user's face, helping the front camera recognise them in darker surroundings.

According to the code, the feature could have two modes. By default, the screen would brighten when the phone can partially see the user's face. There may also be a 'complete darkness’ option that activates the feature even when the surroundings are pitch black.

The feature could also include a one-time confirmation prompt when users enable it for the first time. Another possible addition is a slider that lets users adjust the brightness behaviour, with options described as 'comfortable’ and 'reliable’. The comfortable setting could prioritise reducing discomfort from a bright screen in the dark, while the reliable option may focus on improving face recognition.

These details are based on code found in a beta release, so the final interface and available settings could change before a public rollout.

Pixel Users May Be Able To Control When The Feature Works

The leaked code also suggests that Google could let users decide when the screen illumination feature operates. Potential controls include Do Not Disturb, Bedtime and driving modes.

This could be useful because a sudden burst of bright light can be uncomfortable in a dark room. It could also be distracting while driving at night, making controls for these situations particularly important.

Android Authority also managed to enable the feature on a test device and found the toggle in the Face Unlock settings. However, its presence in a beta build does not confirm that the feature will reach all supported Pixel phones or work exactly as it currently appears.

Google Has Not Confirmed A Release Date

For now, Face Active Illumination remains an unannounced feature discovered in the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 code. Google has not confirmed whether it plans to release it, which Pixel models could support it or when it might become available.

The interface also appears to be a work in progress, so the company could make further changes before the feature reaches users. So Pixel owners will have to wait for an official announcement or a future beta release to learn whether this potential Face Unlock improvement is on the way.