Tech – Metro | Jealous partners can easily sleuth through Google’s new Pixel 4 phone

Would you ever secretly check your partner's phone? (Getty)

Google's latest smartphone packs in loads of futuristic features to compete with Apple's iPhone and tempt people to upgrade.

But one of the features may create some unintended consequences.

The Google Pixel 4 can be unlocked instantly when it recognises your face, saving you valuable time when you need to make a quick call or check messages.

The technology works through an infrared camera that projects dots onto your face to make sure it's really you. If it is, the phone unlocks itself.

But the sensor is so good, it can be activated even while you're asleep, making it extremely easy for jealous types to unlock their partner's phones while they're sleeping.

Proof, for those asking #madebygoogle #pixel4 pic.twitter.com/mBDJphVpfB

— Chris Fox (@thisisFoxx) October 15, 2019

MORE: Google reveals Pixel 4 and several other gadgets at New York hardware event

Some suggest that it won't be long for this feature to be put to sneaky use.

'Google is opening up a whole can of worms with such easy access to the phone with facial recognition, what person who suspects their partner is cheating is not going to have a go at unlocking it when their other half is asleep?' said Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationship expert with extra-marital affairs site IllicitEncounters.com.

Research carries out by the site found that three-quarters of people (74%) have accessed or attempted to access their partner's phone.

'Lots of people try to guess their partner's passcode if they are not already aware of it,' Jessica told Metro.co.uk.

The Pixel 4 comes in a choice of 3 colours (Getty)

'I suspect that Google will close this loophole following concerns about the ease of access to the phone using this log-in method. In future you will probably have to blink or have some kind of other facial motion for it to work. But that could be a few years off.

'Would I recommend that suspicious partners access their partner's phone in this way? Absolutely! If they are not cheating, it will soon become obvious and you can be assured you are dating someone you can trust and your fears were unfounded. Hopefully it will put your relationship on a better footing.'

'If they are cheating, you can confront them and work out if the relationship has a future. You can also check whether your partner's sexual behaviour is putting you at risk. Are they practicing safe sex with their bit on the side?'

A man uses the new Google Pixel 4 smartphone during a Google launch event in New York (Getty Images)

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'As for the wider issue of whether snooping is a good/bad thing, ask yourself this: if your partner is cheating, wouldn't you rather know? I suspect there is very little chance of them volunteering this information without a little detective work on your part.'

Relationship goals aside, the Pixel 4 is sure to be a big seller as it looks to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 11 – both of which can also be unlocked with your face.

The Pixel 4 pricing starts at £669 for the Pixel 4 and £829 for the Pixel 4 XL, both will be available from October 24.

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