Google Tests On-Body Detection Feature That Locks Devices When Unused

A new feature will soon allow Android devices to intelligently detect if users are holding or using them. When not used, Google’s on-body detection feature will lock the devices.

Android has come a long way since Google acquired the company behind the operating system in 2005. Today, the Android platform is on its sixth iteration, with Lollipop. Google appears to be testing a new feature that will automatically lock Android devices running the latest version of Lollipop.

A few users have been reporting about an on-body detection feature, which uses a phone’s accelerometer to discern if the device is being used or not, keeping it running when held and turning it off when inactive.

The purpose of this feature is, presumably, to prevent non-users from accessing the data on the device. Thieves, too, will be discouraged when they discover that the device is locked.  Google is randomly launching the on-body detection feature to devices running the latest version of Android Lollipop (5.0.1) and Google Play Services (7.0.97).

According to Android Police, a website dedicated to Android, the feature isn’t included in the core OS, but is likely activated on a random basis. Given the case, it won’t be long until every Android device will receive the nifty smart lock. The on-body detection feature is accessible via Security settings. Users can turn on the feature under Smart Lock.

The feature is a welcome addition to those who use their phones a lot. Imagine the time that you can save by turning on the feature. However, it can’t detect the identity of the person using the device, which means that it is still susceptible to theft. Soon, Google will figure out a way to make our devices even smarter.