Google’s new Pixel 4 smartphones announced Tuesday, are the first to include radar. The technology is used to speed up face unlock and to generally assist the phones’ motion sensor, making it faster and easier to use.
Google elected to include radar to help determine your proximity to the phone instead of a camera that can “see” you. Radar offers longer range and low power consumption, It uses radio waves to help gauge the size, location and nearness of objects. CNET said that the phones use the 60GHz radio frequency, which is short range and “has passed all requisite safety requirements.”
The Pixel 4 and 4XL also include an app that can detect a crash and automatically call 911. But this does NOT use radar. Responding to our inquiry, a Google spokesman said, with regard to crash detection, “Our detection uses the accelerometer, GPS, and ambient audio on the Pixel 4.”
They also now offer gesture control (via the motion sensor) to let you swipe to advance musical tracks, or to dismiss a call, wake the screen, reduce the volume of an alarm as you reach for the phone, or trigger the screen to turn off as you walk away.
The phones may be pre-ordered now and they go on sale October 21 starting at $799-$899. See full specs here.
Source: CNET
