Google's Pixel 6 fingerprint reader is rubbish because of 'enhanced security algorithms'
- Reference: 1636467587
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2021/11/09/pixel_6_fingerprint_reader/
- Source link:
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro came out in the UK on 28 October, but something that has struck reviewers about the otherwise highly recommended mobe is a recalcitrant fingerprint unlock.
[1]Engadget described the under-screen tech as "slow and finicky", [2]CNET as "frustrating and not a very good experience", and [3]Tom's Guide as "slower than other phones."
[4]
While all agreed the Pixel 6/Pro is Google's best phone and decent value for money, it wasn't just the critics who were bothered by the multiple attempts it can take to get into the damn thing.
[5]
[6]
As spotted by [7]Android Authority , a user [8]wrote to the Made By Google Twitter account: "I do love my new Pixel 6, but the fingerprint sensor is ruining my experience. More often than not I touch the sensor 6 or 7 times before it makes me enter my pin. I'm holding out for a software fix but it's something that would make me get rid of it if it persists."
They received this response:
We're sorry for the hassle. The Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor utilizes enhanced security algorithms. In some instances, these added protections can take longer to verify or require more direct contact with the sensor. Try troubleshooting steps: [9]https://t.co/uTbifE5Uyo . Thanks. ^Levi — Made By Google (@madebygoogle) [10]November 6, 2021
Not a "Sorry, we're working on a fix" in sight, just three little words that sound cool but on their own mean next to nothing.
"Enhanced security algorithms."
[11]
Another unchuffed customer had similar complaints. "Please fix this," they pleaded. "The fingerprint scanner is absolutely frustrating. I cannot recommend this phone to anyone because the execution of the fingerprint scanner is completely amateur."
Google's answer? [12]You guessed it.
[13]Awkward. At Chrome summit, developer asks: Why should anyone trust Google?
[14]Oregon city courting Google data centers fights to keep their water usage secret
[15]There, that wasn't so hard, was it? South Korea makes Google allow rival payment systems in Play store apps
[16]JEDI mind tricks: Google said Pentagon contract didn't align with company values. Now it's chasing another defence gig
Intrigued, The Register enquired about said "algorithms" to try to pry some insight out of the omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibenevolent ad leviathan, and asked why such a feature would prevent the owner from unlocking their phone instantaneously. Like most other smartphones on the market. We also asked whether the mooted "software fix" was possible without compromising the "enhanced security" of the "algorithms."
Rather than answering, Google's press office directed us to the tweet embedded above. Nice.
As Android Authority noted: "It's a rather interesting reason for an iffy in-display fingerprint sensor experience, but we can't say for sure whether Google's solution does indeed have improved security over rival smartphones."
[17]
Perhaps Reg readers could take a leaf out of the Chocolate Factory's book. If Google can wave away complaints with vague jargon, surely you can too.
Software project running behind schedule? "We're implementing the enhanced security algorithms."
Deleted a database? "Gah, must have been the enhanced security algorithms."
Couldn't be bothered to finish an assignment? "The enhanced security algorithms ate my homework."
Let us know how you get on. ®
Get our [18]Tech Resources
[1] https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-6-and-pixel-6-pro-review-specs-camera-samples-battery-test-160014200.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW5kcm9pZGF1dGhvcml0eS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIn-7mi8ZrcCXeAomPfyyANgz2_LE6nhPgz203aNNOzbNAwnt6HE2cmJFep5PQB2Hyp-A1rSmJFfZCMTGaxn2eik-d8d7zBs8eUQhg-_eAzq5JW0ddULc-ULzKG4UethX0Dg07qYGwwEHLerjKH6cX5qOv8LYeoBJYBROOgonPZF#displayaudioandfingerprintsensor
[2] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-6-review-at-599-i-cant-think-of-a-better-phone-to-recommend/
[3] https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/google-pixel-6
[4] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2YYqpSU10dQ87xLoCixnDEAAAAI0&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[5] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44YYqpSU10dQ87xLoCixnDEAAAAI0&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[6] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33YYqpSU10dQ87xLoCixnDEAAAAI0&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[7] https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-6-fingerprint-scanner-security-3054470/
[8] https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1457043416139898881?s=20
[9] https://t.co/uTbifE5Uyo
[10] https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1457043416139898881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
[11] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44YYqpSU10dQ87xLoCixnDEAAAAI0&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[12] https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1457573477209329664
[13] https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/08/why_should_anyone_trust_google/
[14] https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/05/oregon_google_water/
[15] https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/04/google_thirdparty_payments_apps_south_korea/
[16] https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/04/google_joint_warfighting_cloud_capability/
[17] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33YYqpSU10dQ87xLoCixnDEAAAAI0&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[18] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
I didn't know Google made folding phones.
A guess
My GUESS would be that the sensor and associated logic works just fine for some fingerprints including the one you use, those of the Google developers and those of the Google test team. But that it fails for some. I wouldn't be at all surprised that if you spent a rainy afternoon testing the fingerprint sensor with all ten of your upper extremity digits, you might find that some work reliably and some don't. They're all different y'know.
As for "enhanced security". If logging in doesn't work, IT'S SECURE. Maybe not the optimal solution to providing security ... But, to a spin artist I can see "works poorly if at all" morphing to "is much more secure".
Re: A guess
The fingerprint sensor works... the user clearly doesn't. They're using the wrong type of finger.
The enhanced security algorithms...
... take a long time to scan your fingerprint at 4800dpi and upload it to Google's mothership.
How is this even a thing in 2021?
Meanwhile, my iPhone builds a 3D model of my face and compares it in near real time.
Near Real Time
Apple fanboy perchance?
Re: Near Real Time
Perhaps, but he does have a point.
Hmmm
I could (perhaps) see how the phone calling home to Google for some kind of challenge / response step could delay fingerprint working. But equally it could just be really terrible hardware or software which isn't detecting a press as an attempt to unlock the phone. And even if it were calling home, that isn't much good if someone has poor network or no network connectivity.
Re: Hmmm
I've just tried putting mine in Aircraft mode and it unlocked, so it's not phoning home.
Re: Hmmm
You hope :)
Re: Hmmm
It could be trying and then caching it.
Only a packet sniffer will give you any idea.
When you use Android Pay it is free to the retailer (unlike Apple pay where there is a small charge), however Google get to see your transactions.
Also Chrome send any printing you do to the mothership before it returns to your printer (I've watched it with a packet sniffer).
Re: Hmmm
It's definitely getting the press. The screen lights up as soon as you put your finger on the sensor area with no perceivable delay. If you remove it too quickly it tells you to hold It longer. if you hold it longer most of the time it either. says not recognised or partial fingerprint detected. Without a screen protector it worked maybe 70% of the time once I'd got used to it and retrained it a few times, with a glass screen protector its down to less than 3% of the time. But 70% was annoying enough that I'd rather have the screen protector and just unlock manually.
Coming from my previous phone, a Huawei P10, which had the fastest fingerprint reader I've used on any phone it's quite jarringly bad.
Other than the fingerprint reader I love the phone though.
I've never found fingerprint sensors much good 'cause I chew the calluses off my mouse finger, so the print doesn't stay stable.
Use a less nibbled finger?
Try the hyper-enhanced security mode.
That's where any input to any sensor instantly bricks the phone. Can't get more secure than that.
I've had a Pixel 6 Pro for just under a week, and have no problems with the fingerprint sensor.
I must admit, I preferred the one on the back of the Pixel 3, but all I do is keep my phone pressed to the screen for a gnats whisker of a second for it to register. Seems to be a lack of patience on the couple of people that have Tweeted about it...