Latest news with #IdentityCheck
Android Authority
01-08-2025
- Android Authority
Here's how Android Identity Check will start taking advantage of your smartwatch (APK teardown)
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Identity Check offers an extra layer of protection when someone steals both your phone and your PIN. By requiring biometrics, Identity Check attempts to limit the harm bad actors could do. Google is working to let you bypass that biometric requirement when your device is connected to a trusted smartwatch. We all want our devices to be secure, but practical considerations mean we're often striking a balance between security and convenience. That's not a bad thing at all, as we don't always need to be taking advantage of every security protection available to us, and systems like Android's Identity Check are built for just this reason, letting us get away with just using a PIN or biometrics when we're at home, but beefing up security and insisting on both when outside a trusted location. Just last week, we looked at one way Identity Check could soon be changing, with the tool evolving to recognizing the presence of your connected smartwatch. At the time it wasn't yet clear exactly how the watch would alter Identity Check's behavior, but now it's starting to come into focus. ⚠️ An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. Identity Check is designed to help save your bacon when you're in just about the worst situation: someone else not only has your phone, but they also have your PIN. Maybe they shoulder-surfed while you were unlocking the phone, or used threats to get you to reveal it, but Identity Check is built to assume that your PIN's been compromised. That's exactly why it also insists upon biometric authentication when trying to access saved passwords or change critical security settings from anywhere other than a trusted location. Here are the strings we spotted last time we looked: Code Copy Text With your watch connected, Identity Check automatically recognizes you while maintaining your security even when you're not in a trusted location Protection on the move with watch Those made it clear that Google's working on a way for Identity Check to use the presence of a paired watch as a signal of trust, just in the way a location already can. But what we didn't have at the time was confirmation of how Identity Check would work differently when it sensed your watch. Looking through the new 25.31.30 beta release of Google Play Services, we've spotted an additional string that provides some answers: Code Copy Text Outside of trusted places like your home • If you have a connected watch, you can use either biometrics or your PIN • If you don't have a connected watch, you'll be required to use Fingerprint or Face Unlock There we go: When you're using Identity Check with a smartwatch it recognizes, you'll be able to bypass the need to enter a PIN, even when away from home. Basically, it's like two-factor authentication, and you've got to choose any two of the three: PIN, biometrics, or the presence of your watch. We supposed it is conceivable that someone manages to learn your PIN, steal your phone, and also take your smartwatch, so hopefully there's a setting to choose whether or not we want to take advantage of this option once it finally arrives. Follow
Phone Arena
28-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Google wants your smartwatch to prove you're still you
Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7. | Image credit – PhoneArena Google's been steadily tightening the connection between Android phones and Wear OS smartwatches – and the latest hint suggests that bond is about to get a whole lot smarter. To keep things convenient, Identity Check only kicks in when your phone is outside trusted locations like your home or office. That way, you are not constantly battling security prompts in places you've already marked as safe. The goal is to add an extra layer of protection when you are out and about, making it harder for thieves to get into your phone if it's stolen. Now, though, it looks like Google is quietly working on a new upgrade that could take things even further – by using your smartwatch as a signal that you're still the one holding the phone. New code strings found in version 25.29.31 of the Google Play Services beta point to this possible upgrade. They suggest that if your watch is nearby and connected, your phone might take that as a green light – a trust signal that you're still in control – and ease up on the constant biometric checks. Now, this wouldn't get rid of the need for a fingerprint or PIN entirely. But if your smartwatch is already strapped to your wrist and unlocked with a PIN of its own, it could help cut down on all the extra steps. Less friction, same security – that's the goal. With Identity Check you can set up your own trusted places. | Image credit – Google Of course, since this is still in development, there's no guarantee it'll roll out exactly like this – or at all. But as Android's theft protection tools keep evolving, letting a smartwatch act as a trust signal makes a lot of sense… as long as a thief doesn't grab both your phone and your watch. In short, if Google nails this, Android users could get a smoother, smarter way to keep their phones secure without feeling like security slows them down. That's a win for anyone who's ever been frustrated typing in a PIN just to do something simple on their phone. When you switch to Total Wireless, keep your number & grab 3 mo. of 5G We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Android Authority
24-07-2025
- Android Authority
Android might soon trust your smartwatch to help verify your identity (APK teardown)
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Google may be working on smartwatch support for Android's Identity Check feature. A connected watch could serve as a second authentication factor outside trusted locations. The feature was spotted in the latest version of Google Play Services beta. Google recently introduced a feature called Identity Check on Android 15 and later devices, designed to add extra protection from phone theft when you're outside of predefined trusted locations. Now it looks like Google is working on an upgrade that could make the experience a little smoother — by allowing your smartwatch to play a role in verifying your identity. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. According to strings of code we spotted in version 25.29.31 of the Google Play Services beta, Identity Check may soon recognize a connected smartwatch as a kind of trust signal. They suggest that, if your watch is nearby and connected, your phone may treat that as a sign that you're still in control. This could potentially reduce how much you need to authenticate with biometrics while not in one of your safe spots. This wouldn't necessarily remove the need for your fingerprint or PIN entirely, but it could strike a better balance between convenience and security for users who already unlock their watch with a PIN and keep it strapped to their wrist. It's a small touch that could make Android's theft protection feel a bit less intrusive in everyday use. Here are the strings we noticed: Code Copy Text With your watch connected, Identity Check automatically recognizes you while maintaining your security even when you're not in a trusted location Protection on the move with watch As an in-progress feature, we don't yet know if this addition to Identity Check will eventually roll out in a public release or if it will work exactly as we have assumed here. With Android's security tools continuing to evolve, smartwatch security integration seems like a logical next step, as long as the mugger doesn't swipe your wearable at the same time as your phone. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business Standard
Samsung urges Galaxy smartphone users to activate these anti-theft features
Samsung's latest One UI 7 security update adds new theft protection tools like Identity Check and Security Delay to Galaxy S25, S24, and foldables in India New Delhi Samsung has begun rolling out new theft protection and anti-robbery features in India as part of the One UI 7 security update. Building on standard Android protections, Samsung is introducing additional tools such as Identity Check and Security Delay under its Theft Protection suite. These features expand upon existing tools like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock. The new protections, already available on Samsung's latest foldable devices running One UI 8 based on Android 16, are now also being introduced to other Galaxy smartphones via the One UI 7 update. Samsung is expected to begin rolling out One UI 8 to existing Galaxy devices in the coming weeks. Samsung's new theft protection features are now available through the One UI 7 security update for the following devices: Galaxy S25 Series Galaxy S24 Series Galaxy Z Fold6 Galaxy Z Flip6 Galaxy Z Fold5 Galaxy Z Flip5 Galaxy S23 Series Galaxy S22 Series One UI 7 security update: New theft protection features The One UI 7 security update adds the following new security capabilities: Identity Check: When in unfamiliar locations, Samsung's Safe Places feature (accessed through Identity Check) requires biometric authentication to modify key security settings. Samsung said that this adds an additional layer of protection when the PIN of the device may have been compromised. Security Delay: A sub-feature of Identity Check, this introduces a one-hour delay if someone attempts to reset biometric data. Samsung says the delay gives users time to lock their device remotely from another connected device such as a tablet or PC before unauthorised access occurs. These features enhance Samsung's existing Theft Protection toolkit, which includes: Theft Detection Lock: Utilises machine learning to detect sudden movements like snatching and instantly locks the screen. Offline Device Lock: Automatically locks the screen if the device remains offline for an extended period. Remote Lock: Allows users to lock their stolen device remotely through another device.
Digital Trends
01-07-2025
- Digital Trends
5 Android 16 tips and tricks you can try on your Pixel right now
Google pulled off a surprise this year by releasing Android 16 months ahead of the usual schedule. The stable build for its Pixel smartphones was released in the second week of June, and at the moment, QPR builds with experimental features are being tested. The release, beyond the hype, has been somewhat bittersweet. On one hand, we got a glimpse of all the exciting new changes that are landing with the OS upgrade. On the flip side, a few of the more remarkable features are yet to appear. Recommended Videos But that doesn't mean there isn't anything worth getting excited about. I got the stable update on release date after months of beta testing, and have since shifted to the developer channel on my Pixel 9. So far, these are the five features that I would recommend to all users who already have it installed on their phone, or folks waiting eagerly for Android 16 to land on their daily driver: Identity Check In the past couple of years, Google has really upped the ante for safety and security enhancements on Android. With the latest release, the company has added a new safety tool tied to verifying the legitimate owner's identity. It was originally introduced for Google's Pixel smartphones, but has now expanded to all devices that can run Android 16. Identity Check keeps track of your (or your phone's) location, and if it detects that the device is in an unfamiliar place, it will automatically lock sensitive settings and information behind a biometric lock. So, even if a bad actor has glanced at your lock screen password, they won't be able to do much damage. When you first set up Identity Check, you will be asked to designate a few trusted or safe locations. Once it is enabled, the device will require a biometric unlock (such as fingerprint or face unlock) for sensitive tasks such as changing password, accessing Passkeys, or disabling theft protection, among others. This ties in with the built-in anti-theft tools, which rely on motion algorithms among other identifiers to detect incidents such as theft or snatching. With theft detection enabled, the screen will lock automatically. Morever, if the device is taken offline, the screen lock kicks into action in that scenario, as well. Advanced Protection The overarching theme with Android 16 has been security, and this year, Google offered the most holistic solution it has delivered so far. The new system is called Advanced Protection, which acts more like a one-stop shop for securing your phone from all kinds of risks and threats. When you enable it, your apps, browsing activity, calls, and messages are automatically put in a secure environment. At the device level, your phone will lock itself automatically after 72 hours of inactivity to protect the onboard data. Moreover, theft detection lock is enabled, and USB access is blocked to only allow charging and not data transfer of any kind. Additionally, Google Play's malware detection kicks into action to scan apps and block risky apps from other sources. Advanced Protection also activates safe browsing in Chrome, which warns users about risky websites and unsafe download packages. The Messages app also shows warnings regarding unsafe links and will perform scam and spam detection in real-time. Similar guardrails are put in place for the Phone app, as well. Finally, it also disables access to unsecured Wi-Fi and 2G cellular networks. Notification Cooldown This one has been a bit of an on-and-off situation, but it is finally a part of the stable update. As the name suggests, Notification Cooldown saves you from the barrage of notification pings, especially those coming from the same app. Think buzzy family group chats or Discord channels with gaming buddies. Once you enable it, consecutive notifications from the same app are progressively lowered in volume. Simply put, you hear a loud alert tone only once, and the subsequent pings are slowly muted. Think of it as a fuss-free trick that makes chained notifications less vexing. In order to enable it, go to the Notifications dashboard in the Settings app, scroll down, and flick the toggle corresponding to the Notification Cooldown option. I work across apps such as Slack and Teams, which are always buzzing with workplace chatter. Notification Cooldown drowns the noise, but keeps me aware of the group activity. Battery Health Android 16 adds a dedicated dashboard, akin to iPhones, where you check the charging health status of the phone's battery. Here, you can check the charge retention efficiency, labeled as the phone's 'Battery capacity,' in percentage figures. Underneath, you will see tips to help enhance the battery life. This is also where you can enable the charging optimization system, activate adaptive charging, or limit the peak charging capacity to 80%. The goal is to reduce the electrochemical stress and tone down the number of full charge-discharge cycles so that the battery can last longer. When these features are enabled, the phone does voltage adjustment in the background to reach a balance between battery aging and the power drawn out of it without affecting the day-to-day performance of the phone. On a side note, if the battery health capacity falls below 80%, a replacement is the only reliable path ahead. Desktop Mode Android 16 enabled a hidden desktop mode that opens a Samsung DeX-like large screen environment on a monitor. It looks like ChromeOS at first glance, but currently missing out on a lot of features that could make it nearly as viable for serious work as DeX. It's a promising start, nonetheless. All you need is a USB-C cable, but I tried with an HDMI-USB splitter, and it worked out well. App windowing works fine, and so does cursor drag resizing. You get the familiar three-button layout in the top corner for core window activity controls. In its current shape, there are some issues with screen resolution output and keyboard shortcuts, and you will run into random stutters, as well. It makes sense why Google hid this desktop mode in the Developers Section of the Settings app. I am hoping that as QPR testing goes on and more brands start rolling out stable Android 16 updates, the desktop mode will mature accordingly.
