WhatsApp on Android could finally catch up with a function on...

Currently, Android users can only use the fingerprint scanner on their phones to lock the messaging service. This despite a number of Android manufacturers including Google, OnePlus, Huawei and Samsung. In contrast, WhatsApp introduced an update in early 2019 to use the Face ID facial recognition system that has been integrated into the iPhone since the launch of the iPhone X in November 2017.

The team at @WABetaInfo, which specializes in browsing the latest beta versions of WhatsApp to discover new details on unannounced features in the factories, new features tested and more, whispered about the new extension for WhatsApp users on Android.

When searching the latest beta version for Android, @WABetaInfo found a redesigned data protection page in WhatsApp in the “Settings” menu. On the new page, WhatsApp has replaced the fingerprint lock in current versions of the app with the biometric lock. This means that the app accepts all biometric unlocking methods used by smartphone and tablet manufacturers, including likes or iris scanning, face recognition, and more.

“When this option is enabled, you must use your fingerprint, face or other unique identifier to unlock WhatsApp,” explains the new page. “You can still take calls when WhatsApp is blocked.”

CONTINUE READING
WhatsApp really has to steal this amazing new Google Chat innovation

Of course, there is no way of knowing when these new options will be available for Android. In addition, it is unclear whether the system will work with new facial recognition systems from all manufacturers. With OnePlus, for example, users can unlock their handset with a quick glance, but acknowledge that the system isn’t secure enough to authenticate tap-and-go payments with your smartphone, so you’ll have to go back to your PIN or fingerprint for it. With Pixel 4, Google has compared Apple’s security level with facial recognition. This allows smartphone owners to unlock their banking apps and more at a glance.

Jake Moore, Cybersecurity Specialist at ESET, commented on the beta version of the system to Express.co.uk: “Each additional layer of security increases the protection of an account. However, if a passcode has to be entered each time, it can be entered at the cost of inconvenience to the user. However, biometrics has sped up the process and made entering apps via facial recognition or fingerprints quick and easy.

“Adding levels of security such as B. Biometrics to apps within a device can be a very secure way of making it more difficult for malicious actors to enter more personal locations of a phone, especially for those who may use easily guessable passwords like date of birth or the like. I would advise people not to use simple passwords and always make sure that their phone is locked immediately after use. ”