WhatsApp has introduced a facial unlock feature for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices.
This new security enhancement allows users to unlock the app using facial recognition instead of solely relying on fingerprint or PIN authentication.
The facial unlock functionality meets Android’s highest biometric security standard, Class 3, thanks to the powerful Tensor G3 processor and advanced machine learning algorithms employed by the Pixel 8 series.
When launching WhatsApp, users will see a facial unlock tray at the bottom of the screen, accompanied by a ring around the front camera.
If the user’s face is not visible, the app will revert to the fingerprint prompt after a few seconds.
Additionally, the “WhatsApp Locked” screen has received visual updates with this new feature.
The facial unlock support is rolling out with WhatsApp version 2.24.8.85 (stable) and requires server-side changes as well.
Notably, WhatsApp has also introduced a redesigned app bar with a search field underneath and a new bottom bar featuring a Material 3-style design with pill-shaped tab indicators, modernizing the app’s appearance on Android.
In more recent WhatsApp news, the messaging platform is looking like it is working on a new feature that will allow users to add, reorder, and remove favorite contacts and groups from the app’s settings.
This update is part of the ‘Favorites’ tab and was discovered in one of the recent beta versions of WhatsApp for Android.
The upcoming ‘Favorites’ tab will be a more streamlined way to access the contacts and groups they interact with frequently.
Basically, you can add contacts to the Favorites section and then easily find and communicate with their most important contacts without having to scroll through long lists.
WhatsApp has introduced a facial recognition feature that allows Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users to unlock their messaging app using their face, leveraging the advanced security capabilities of the Tensor G3 processor.
If the app cannot detect your face, it automatically switches to asking for your fingerprint, ensuring there is always a way to securely access your messages.
The facial unlock functionality is available from WhatsApp version 2.24.8.85 onwards, along with necessary server-side updates to activate the feature.
Yes, in addition to facial unlock, WhatsApp has redesigned its app interface to include a Material 3-style bottom bar and pill-shaped tab indicators, improving overall usability and aesthetics.
Currently, the facial unlock feature is specifically optimized for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro due to their hardware capabilities. There’s no official word yet on expansion to other devices.
Also Read: WhatsApp Enhances User Experience with New Chat Filters
Also Read: WhatsApp Web Beta Users Getting New Sidebar Layout and Smart Features
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