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Automatic Flash?

I got to playing with a friend's Blackberry tonight in a nightclub if all places and found that it's automatic flash helped make the mere 2.0mp camera shine in dark enviorments. My old Wizard doesn't have auto flash but a light per say. I was wondering for those that have Fuzes or TPs does the phone come with automatic flash or is it like a flashlight until you get out of the camera app?

nah, no automatic flash

Is there anyway to modify it to have an automatic flash?

It's only 2 screen taps to turn it on from the camera app. I'm sure with some clever ingenuity someone could figure out how to read the light sensor when the camera app is open and if it's below a threshold, turn the light on (if so desired). Maybe post an app bounty for such a thing?

When I bought this phone I knew it had a flash, but I was not aware that it was 'manual'. I had assumed it was like a normal camera flash.
I'm pretty annoyed at this fact myself, hopefully it is something can be worked around to be made automatic.

Stop automatic camera off (cam run in background) via registry?

I have been trying to figure this out for like 2 years. I just want to be able to record video in the background. I am running Mobile 6.1 on an HTC S720. I have tried the latest coolcamera (it just starts and immediately shuts off). I have searched EVERYWHERE. It would seem that the program built into the phone could potentially keep recording if the trigger to stop recording once the program was exited was turned off.
Is there a known registry modification (or any modification) to make the camera program stay always recording?
Is there any other software people have had luck with other then coolcamera?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, even a link or keyword, anything is helpful at this point. This really seems like it should be easier then it is (or hopefully isn't).

dirtycanuck said:
I have been trying to figure this out for like 2 years. I just want to be able to record video in the background. I am running Mobile 6.1 on an HTC S720. I have tried the latest coolcamera (it just starts and immediately shuts off). I have searched EVERYWHERE. It would seem that the program built into the phone could potentially keep recording if the trigger to stop recording once the program was exited was turned off.
Is there a known registry modification (or any modification) to make the camera program stay always recording?
Is there any other software people have had luck with other then coolcamera?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, even a link or keyword, anything is helpful at this point. This really seems like it should be easier then it is (or hopefully isn't).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Guess you'll need to find a way to minimize (or hide) the UI of your camera. I tried recording a video and then pressed the Win-button on my keyboard to get into the startmenu, but it just stopped recording. Looks like the cam takes over the phone completely.
Besides, if you want the phone to keep recording, you'll need a very BIG storagecard (19s vid = 2.8 MB on my phone) and an even BIGGER battery.
Dirk

Ya I have a 4 gig card in it. The camera program stays on because I can still see it in the process menu. I specifically want this for altercations with police whether in my car or on the street. I would like to start recording then lock the phone. I have had my phone recording while dealing with a cop and he saw the camera and his attitude changed. I'd rather them not know I am recording, and not be able to access the phone at the same time. I understand they could just pop out the card, but lengthwise I could pop out the card and slip it into my sock if they confiscate the phone. The phone can handle about 45 mins of straight recording so battery life shouldn't be an issue, plus it stays plugged in while in my car.
Thanks for the input as any is welcomed.

dirtycanuck said:
Ya I have a 4 gig card in it. The camera program stays on because I can still see it in the process menu. I specifically want this for altercations with police whether in my car or on the street. I would like to start recording then lock the phone. I have had my phone recording while dealing with a cop and he saw the camera and his attitude changed. I'd rather them not know I am recording, and not be able to access the phone at the same time. I understand they could just pop out the card, but lengthwise I could pop out the card and slip it into my sock if they confiscate the phone. The phone can handle about 45 mins of straight recording so battery life shouldn't be an issue, plus it stays plugged in while in my car.
Thanks for the input as any is welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, why you need videorecording then ? Guess it'll be easier and faster to just start your voicerecorder with your phone in one of your pockets...
Dirk

Oh man, my X1 also cannot use Cool Camera either, And the default camera program can't been minimize....., I know that asus P565 default one could do so....looking for that program

[Q] Any way to keep brightness down in camera?

Right, I've got a black One S with android 4.0.3 and sense 4, all like new (as it is). I don't fancy rooting it and don't really want to change from the HTC Rom, but the backlight in the camera annoys me. On the touch pro2 with the HTC stuff, I'm certain there was an option in settings to keep the screen backlight down when in the camera. On the Trophy that followed, I couldn't control it, because, let's face it, you can't control much in WP7. however, switching to the one S and android, I expected being able to keep the backlight down.
Why is this frustrating me? I don't like.being blinded by the viewfinder, and I don't want to kill the battery any more than I have to. So, is there a way to keep the phone's backlight down while in the HTC camera app?

Okay, now I know everyone has ignored this thread but I think I've discovered a way. So here's the setup:
HTC One S
System brightness set to lowest
A 4 digit screen-lock password
So I have the passcode set on the 15 minute max timeout, so, the phone locked itself, and I dragged the camera icon on the lockscreen into the ring. Naturally, despite being locked, it still allows use of the camera. Now, it may just be my eyes, but I'm certain I noticed a distance difference in brightness. That is, the screen seemed a lot dimmer when the camera app was being accessed from behind the lock rather than unlocked.

I think the brightness is ok lol
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

AMOLED displays as the one in One S doesnt have backlights. But there is a mod that lowers the values when using auto brightness since the defaults are a bit high, not especially made for in-camera though. Check for it in Tweak Machine thread in apps and themes forums.

k1llacanon said:
I think the brightness is ok lol
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess most people aren't that fussed about the brightness, but the battery did seem to last a lot longer when recording 1080p video with the lower brightness.
frdd said:
AMOLED displays as the one in One S doesnt have backlights. But there is a mod that lowers the values when using auto brightness since the defaults are a bit high, not especially made for in-camera though. Check for it in Tweak Machine thread in apps and themes forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that require root access? From what I can see it does, and I guess that too would be helpful for the majority, but my phone isn't rooted. Mainly because I like the HTC Sense camera interface so much

Yeah you must flash it from custom recovery so at least unlocked boot loader required. Why not try a sense based ROM? They all keep the awesome HTC camera and its snappiness

Unfortunately with the One S update I finally received last night bringing it up from Android 4.0.3 to 4.0.4 and Sense 4.1, HTC have now removed the incredibly helpful 'bug' of the brightness staying down in the camera if it is launched from the lockscreen with a password set. Thanks a lot HTC, you excell yourselves with stupidity once again.
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

Bump. Recording lectures is impossible due to HTC's stupidity. The 100% screen brightness not only kills the battery before lecture ends, but it's extremely distracting for people behind me (especially if room is dark during powerpoint presentations).
This has to be turned down. Ideally, once set up, the phone should be able to record video with the screen OFF. Or at least with brightness on min. Surely there's a mod or a hack for this?

curiousGeorge said:
Bump. Recording lectures is impossible due to HTC's stupidity. The 100% screen brightness not only kills the battery before lecture ends, but it's extremely distracting for people behind me (especially if room is dark during powerpoint presentations).
This has to be turned down. Ideally, once set up, the phone should be able to record video with the screen OFF. Or at least with brightness on min. Surely there's a mod or a hack for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
Firstly, I'm glad that I'm not alone in this. As you said, it is extremely frustrating as not only is the bright screen distracting for others and makes you look foolish, the battery hardly lasts any time at all. I contacted HTC to see if they could add a brightness slider, their customer support rep said the technical team would get in touch with me - they haven't.
However, on the positive side, I have found two apps which don't allow you to record with lower brightness, they up the ante to your other suggestion, having the screen off. I'd always assumed that cameras on phones couldn't work with the screen off because I thought the phone went into proper sleep. Turns out that the camera can stay active. There are many poor apps on Play, but I found two which offer free (very limited functionality, but allows you to check that the app works with your phone) versions and rather expensive pro versions. I tried both the free versions and liked the second one I tried so much that I bought it.
The first one I found was (I don't know why they assume people are using their cameras solely for nefarious purposes - some of us do have legitimate reasons and battery life concerns) 'Hidden Camera Spy Camera', Play link (Lite version link is in their description). This one worked ok, but took a while to configure and doesn't have the nicest interface. So I continued hunting and came across an even better app:
Secret Video Recorder Pro (Lite version listed at the side in the More by this Developer panel): This app is even more elegant. I tried the lite version and found that it worked well, so I then decided to buy the full version (apparently it's currently 50% off, but still pretty expensive - well worth it though). After going through the settings, I set it to use the rear camera and force HD recording. I then tapped the icon on the homescreen, it notified me and then just ran in the notification area. I then turned the screen off, whirled the phone around my room, turned the phone back on and tapped on the notification to stop it. I then checked the video and to my amazement, it had worked! (on an unrooted, still carrier locked, black One S running the latest official updated OS (Android 4.0.4 and Sense 4.1))
When I dragged the app into the fixed Sense homescreen dock, originally it displayed nothing, even after rebooting the phone. However, after Sense crashed and showed me a message saying Sense had crashed, it even worked from the lockscreen. If you have the 'Show icon' enabled in the SVR Preferences, you can then tell from the lockscreen that it is actually recording as you can see the icon in the notification bar.
I'm sorry for rambling on and on, but I think SVR just got into my top 5 apps of all time list as it is unbelievably flawless (apart from the price )

biggles1000 said:
hi,
Firstly, I'm glad that I'm not alone in this. As you said, it is extremely frustrating as not only is the bright screen distracting for others and makes you look foolish, the battery hardly lasts any time at all. I contacted HTC to see if they could add a brightness slider, their customer support rep said the technical team would get in touch with me - they haven't.
However, on the positive side, I have found two apps which don't allow you to record with lower brightness, they up the ante to your other suggestion, having the screen off. I'd always assumed that cameras on phones couldn't work with the screen off because I thought the phone went into proper sleep. Turns out that the camera can stay active. There are many poor apps on Play, but I found two which offer free (very limited functionality, but allows you to check that the app works with your phone) versions and rather expensive pro versions. I tried both the free versions and liked the second one I tried so much that I bought it.
The first one I found was (I don't know why they assume people are using their cameras solely for nefarious purposes - some of us do have legitimate reasons and battery life concerns) 'Hidden Camera Spy Camera', Play link (Lite version link is in their description). This one worked ok, but took a while to configure and doesn't have the nicest interface. So I continued hunting and came across an even better app:
Secret Video Recorder Pro (Lite version listed at the side in the More by this Developer panel): This app is even more elegant. I tried the lite version and found that it worked well, so I then decided to buy the full version (apparently it's currently 50% off, but still pretty expensive - well worth it though). After going through the settings, I set it to use the rear camera and force HD recording. I then tapped the icon on the homescreen, it notified me and then just ran in the notification area. I then turned the screen off, whirled the phone around my room, turned the phone back on and tapped on the notification to stop it. I then checked the video and to my amazement, it had worked! (on an unrooted, still carrier locked, black One S running the latest official updated OS (Android 4.0.4 and Sense 4.1))
When I dragged the app into the fixed Sense homescreen dock, originally it displayed nothing, even after rebooting the phone. However, after Sense crashed and showed me a message saying Sense had crashed, it even worked from the lockscreen. If you have the 'Show icon' enabled in the SVR Preferences, you can then tell from the lockscreen that it is actually recording as you can see the icon in the notification bar.
I'm sorry for rambling on and on, but I think SVR just got into my top 5 apps of all time list as it is unbelievably flawless (apart from the price )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't using SVR defeat your original purpose? It's not using the Sense camera, it's using it's own implementation? At that rate, any aftermarket camera should work and allow you to use default screen brightness.

el_smurfo said:
Doesn't using SVR defeat your original purpose? It's not using the Sense camera, it's using it's own implementation? At that rate, any aftermarket camera should work and allow you to use default screen brightness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, yes, it does. SVR is sort of a compromise for me at the moment as I can save battery life but I do miss out on all the Sense camera features. It would be great if HTC do actually listen to my request and implement it, given how simple a request it is, but they appear to be constantly so far ahead with all their development process that I doubt they'd include it in the the Android 4.1 release scheduled for this month
SVR is on one end of the scale of what I'd like to do with the camera (save the battery) and the Sense camera is on the other end (use the camera). Where I'd like HTC to place us is in the middle of those two, with the ability to use the Sense camera but in a power-efficient manner (such as being able to record a video but take stills at the same time, with the battery outlasting the meager storage space).

A way to turn on my tablets screen when walking past it?

Hey guys, I've an Advent Vega, and would love if I could find a way to use the front camera to activate the screen when passing?
I'd leave it plugged in by the door, so as I'm leaving/coming home I can see the weather forecast and any tasks or emails waiting for me.
Any ideas guys n gals?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

Use smart screen on/off app.. It uses proximity sensor to lock or unlock device.. you can probably Swype your hand at the sensor n unlock it..
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!

That's aaalmost what would be ideal... just... i'd like it to be from the camera... for instance when I turn the coridor light on when I get home, or walk past it, so I can take a quick look passively without having to interact.
Anybody else got a suggestion? Maybe something paired with Tasker somehow?

vodzurk said:
That's aaalmost what would be ideal... just... i'd like it to be from the camera... for instance when I turn the coridor light on when I get home, or walk past it, so I can take a quick look passively without having to interact.
Anybody else got a suggestion? Maybe something paired with Tasker somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing you must know if that your front camera cannot sense your motion or anything.. no hardware support for it.. It's just like how your eyes cannot detect smell..
At the max you can make use of your proximity sensor for that purpose..
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!

kishankpadiyar said:
One thing you must know if that your front camera cannot sense your motion or anything.. no hardware support for it.. It's just like how your eyes cannot detect smell..
At the max you can make use of your proximity sensor for that purpose..
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm just wondering if there's a way to do it with a 3rd party app. Something that would keep the front camera turned on or take photos every second, and then continually process images for motion detection. Once detected, it would then activate the screen.

vodzurk said:
Yes, I'm just wondering if there's a way to do it with a 3rd party app. Something that would keep the front camera turned on or take photos every second, and then continually process images for motion detection. Once detected, it would then activate the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds rele interesting.. But no such app as of now.. ;-)
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!

vodzurk said:
Yes, I'm just wondering if there's a way to do it with a 3rd party app. Something that would keep the front camera turned on or take photos every second, and then continually process images for motion detection. Once detected, it would then activate the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude here is what you are looking for.. Still a beta version app..
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1708012
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!

kishankpadiyar said:
Dude here is what you are looking for.. Still a beta version app..
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1708012
Sent from my fingers to your face using xda premium.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
That's almost exactly what I'm looking for!
Coolness... now my old tablet can sit by the door and remind my pathetic brain of what I need to do (or what my gf has added to the calendar more than likely), give me a quick glance of recent emails, and show me the weather forecast so I don't get soaked .
Thanks for finding that!

vodzurk said:
Hey guys, I've an Advent Vega, and would love if I could find a way to use the front camera to activate the screen when passing?
I'd leave it plugged in by the door, so as I'm leaving/coming home I can see the weather forecast and any tasks or emails waiting for me.
Any ideas guys n gals?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude, did you ever find an app? I want to do the exact same thing with an old tablet ☺

vodzurk said:
Awesome!
That's almost exactly what I'm looking for!
Coolness... now my old tablet can sit by the door and remind my pathetic brain of what I need to do (or what my gf has added to the calendar more than likely), give me a quick glance of recent emails, and show me the weather forecast so I don't get soaked .
Thanks for finding that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also keep another smartphone on your person and have the two devices paired and set the phone left at home to wake up when the paired device comes within range.

Myk61088 said:
Hey dude, did you ever find an app? I want to do the exact same thing with an old tablet ☺
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could keep another smartphone on your person and have the two devices paired and set the phone left at home to wake up when the paired device comes within range.

Droidriven said:
You could keep another smartphone on your person and have the two devices paired and set the phone left at home to wake up when the paired device comes within range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting Would this be done with tasker?

Myk61088 said:
Interesting Would this be done with tasker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not certain, regardless of the setup you use, you need to be aware that nothing will work to do this if the device that you want to wake is in sleep mode or if the device has a screen lock enabled, no matter what you do. You'd have to permanently disable your pass/pin/pattern lock on the device that you want to wake remotely so that the device can stay in a state where it can detect the paired device when it approaches. You would still need to unlock the "normal" lockscreen that would normally require you to swipe the screen, but there is an option that automatically unlocks the screen when a paired "trusted device" is detected.
There are some options available that can wake the device when a paired device is detected, provided that the device to be woken is not in deep sleep or has a pass/pin/pattern lock enabled. Combine that with the "trusted device" option and it should do what you want and none of it should require root.
There is also a more complicated method to have the device set to wake when the paired device comes in range, but it requires writing some code and implementing the code on the device. But I think there is a way to do this with just enabling/disabling some settings, pairing the devices and setting the paired device that you will keep with you as the "trusted device", either via built in settings(if the device has them) or by installing an app that lets you connect the device as a "trusted device".
What is the android version on the device that you want to wake up remotely?

The tablet is TB-X606F on android 10 and my phone is on 12. I have disabled all kinds of screen lock, even the swip, so as soon and you press the unlock button you are presented straight away with the desktop. I can't though see any options around unlocking when paired, I'm going to put Tasker on the tablet and see if there is any options for screen unlock when in range and screen off when not in range. Failing that whole idea, all I can think of is using Flux to dim the screen to 0 when I turn the living room lights off at night effectively rendering the screen off at nighttimes?

Improve face unlock

Anyone have problem with face unlock about bad angles or not working under bright sunlight! Just set up face unlock under direct sunlight! make sure sunlight sight direct into your face when setting up. Hope that's helpful, it works for me at least
Ps: if you are wearing glasses, put them on when setup.

My biggest issue with face unlock is random challenge to unlock with PIN for "added security".
I say random because I've not rebooted the phone. The message is different when rebooting. I've sent numerous feedback with logs to Google but Google doesn't respond to feedback. I have no idea why this happens. It's annoying. This can happen as often as once a day at random unless I'm missing the reason for it. Maybe it works for days without error. Maybe this is required at intervals I've not recognized?
Patterns I've noticed otherwise include a pause to unlock when I grab my phone and it's upside down. It usually gives me time to recognize this and get screen upright. My phone is usually on a stand upright in portrait mode so it's rare that I pick it up with screen not orientated correctly.
I've not tried setting up face unlock in bright setting though.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

samep said:
My biggest issue with face unlock is random challenge to unlock with PIN for "added security".
I say random because I've not rebooted the phone. The message is different when rebooting. I've sent numerous feedback with logs to Google but Google doesn't respond to feedback. I have no idea why this happens. It's annoying. This can happen as often as once a day at random unless I'm missing the reason for it. Maybe it works for days without error. Maybe this is required at intervals I've not recognized?
Patterns I've noticed otherwise include a pause to unlock when I grab my phone and it's upside down. It usually gives me time to recognize this and get screen upright. My phone is usually on a stand upright in portrait mode so it's rare that I pick it up with screen not orientated correctly.
I've not tried setting up face unlock in bright setting though.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your problems is totally different with what I mean to. However, It think your problem could be from software or setting. you would reset your phone. And if that keep going, using google warranty is best choice.

nguaogioi said:
your problems is totally different with what I mean to. However, It think your problem could be from software or setting. you would reset your phone. And if that keep going, using google warranty is best choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I should talk to Google Pixel support again. I've been reluctant since they couldn't resolve an issue with Google Home app. They referred me to Google Home app support but they kept getting stuck on the fact they support hardware, not the app. I could link Google and Philips Hue but couldn't add Philips Hue to Google Home app. Failing every time.
Long story but the mobile apps kept telling me that that there was an issue getting provider information for Philips Hue. Yet it went through all the steps and failed at the end, never adding Philips Hue. This once worked until it stopped; nothing I was doing was working, even asking Google and Philips for support was pointless with them refusing to talk to each other or continue support with me until resolution. One day my phone had a notification to control my lights and the linking and final step worked that time. I followed the notification and seemingly skipped several steps I've went through to failure but this time everything went as expected and I can control my lights again. Finally! What was the issue? Google won't say but I suspect they discovered it long after I gave up. Months!
I've seen face unlock improvements in the notes of the monthly updates so I've thought Google is aware but like before, not on my timetable. Low priority. With my past slate now clean, start a new one.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

samep said:
My biggest issue with face unlock is random challenge to unlock with PIN for "added security".
I say random because I've not rebooted the phone. The message is different when rebooting. I've sent numerous feedback with logs to Google but Google doesn't respond to feedback. I have no idea why this happens. It's annoying. This can happen as often as once a day at random unless I'm missing the reason for it. Maybe it works for days without error. Maybe this is required at intervals I've not recognized?
Patterns I've noticed otherwise include a pause to unlock when I grab my phone and it's upside down. It usually gives me time to recognize this and get screen upright. My phone is usually on a stand upright in portrait mode so it's rare that I pick it up with screen not orientated correctly.
I've not tried setting up face unlock in bright setting though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue you explained about the seemingly random pin requirement is actually not an issue at all. It's coded into the software as an extra security measure. If you lock your phone and do not unlock it for XXX amount of time (eg. 1 hour) then the phone requires your pin or pattern to verify its still you and your phone hasn't been physically compromised. The other trigger for this happening is at or around 6 hours since the last time your pin was physically entered, it will require you to enter it for the same reasons I listed before. Using face unlock doesn't reset the 6 hours, only physically entering your pin code will.
Hope this helps you understand a little better what's going on with your phone. We all have the same thing happen to us, just most don't notice it when it happens.

1dopewrx05 said:
The issue you explained about the seemingly random pin requirement is actually not an issue at all. It's coded into the software as an extra security measure. If you lock your phone and do not unlock it for XXX amount of time (eg. 1 hour) then the phone requires your pin or pattern to verify its still you and your phone hasn't been physically compromised. The other trigger for this happening is at or around 6 hours since the last time your pin was physically entered, it will require you to enter it for the same reasons I listed before. Using face unlock doesn't reset the 6 hours, only physically entering your pin code will.
Hope this helps you understand a little better what's going on with your phone. We all have the same thing happen to us, just most don't notice it when it happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your hour or six a guess, estimation or actual?
What you described seems true but my use would likely indicate more quiring for PIN than I experience. Just asking.
But if this is intent, I don't agree PIN is added security. Sure face ID can be duped in many ways but at the very least what I'd prefer is safe zone like home where face unlock never dupes to PIN or added security. As I recall, total unlock is only option for designated safe zone like home, unless considering Bluetooth device which I don't prefer unless it can distinguish my Fitbit Versa 2 watch is very near and worn?
Surely there's less invasive methods users can deploy to not be so inconvenienced at home. I've even seen this at work with my wife's iPhone X. More choices seems a logical approach to consider. Why hasn't it?
Phone on charger just now, after just talking to Google Assistant, give a smart home command it interprets correctly, the smart assistant says sure, after you unlock your phone. I dismiss the Google Assistant and promptly unlock my phone without the stupid PIN. Not being very user friendly. I'm under the impression many developers don't just use the device and rethink their intents to be most user friendly.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I feel like I don't see this message more than twice a week... which certainly goes against the every 6 hours idea. My impression was that sometimes movement or Soli will wake it up and it sees something it thinks is a face but it can't unlock with it. If it sees this enough, it may prompt for a PIN unlock with the different message. But sometimes, I think I see this message taking it out of my pocket... where it can't possibly see a face. But maybe it saw part of my face as I was putting it in. It would be interesting to know what the actual rules are regarding this.

I know that when I have the screen upside down, the screen wakes but gives me time to get it upright. Seconds. I don't recall seeing this fail me, thankfully.
I don't have much or any of the Soli features enabled but have screen tap to wake and skip unlock screen enabled.
I've wondered if having the generic stand was causing random face unlock errors but reach for phone is disabled. And I've tried placing my screen down flat instead of the stand and still got prompts to unlock with PIN.
Sometimes I grab my phone and tap to wake doesn't work. But it doesn't mean I get a prompt for PIN every time either. Yesterday, I tapped on the screen repeatedly and it woke and unlocked when it recognized my face. Maybe it's a latent response but I'm usually using the power button to wake by then.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

So I did a chat with Pixel support today.
For the issues with frequent queries for PIN and Voice Assistant asking me to unlock my phone first, the agent had me delete storage and cache for Google and Phone app, delete face unlock and add it back. Reboot phone and get back with them if this doesn't help.
The agent indicated there's not a timer that cannot be reset with unlock that would naturally challenge for PIN after counting down. His advice is to do the above for that issue. The face unlock is suspect. I hadn't done this until today. For kicks, I tried it outside in daylight though the agent didn't recommend this idea. Fwiw, I can unlock my phone in the dark but maybe daylight helps better see contours of the face.
I have a case number to chat again if this continues. Agent says it shouldn't reoccur.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I only have a basic understanding of how face unlock works... but from what I understand it uses an IR dot projector and two IR cameras to stereoscopically sense the depth of your face. This is why it works in the dark to begin with and based on this, I would think direct sunlight would be a detriment rather than a boon in this sensing method. But it may not have any effect at all as I don't know exactly how the sun and the dot projector overlap in wavelength and strength.
Having a "bad" face calibration might explain it as the phone is more often unconfident about it being your face. So it triggers more failures which prompts the increased security message.

jljtgr said:
I only have a basic understanding of how face unlock works... but from what I understand it uses an IR dot projector and two IR cameras to stereoscopically sense the depth of your face. This is why it works in the dark to begin with and based on this, I would think direct sunlight would be a detriment rather than a boon in this sensing method. But it may not have any effect at all as I don't know exactly how the sun and the dot projector overlap in wavelength and strength.
Having a "bad" face calibration might explain it as the phone is more often unconfident about it being your face. So it triggers more failures which prompts the increased security message.
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Agreed. It's unknown if added light is a help, hindrance or placebo. But the agent seemed confident just replacing the face unlock would solve my issues.
Not all of my issues sounded familiar was the reason for suggested extra storage wipes and reboot.
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I spoke from my experience. Before that if i will to unlock i have to keep it direct to my face as the right distance or angles and it hardly work with changing light conditions like under direct sunlight. But after set up with aid from sunlight i could say it work quick and more reliable as my iphone xr even in dark or direct sunlight.
I dont know if that is hardware or software problems.

73 hours of uptime. Random PIN for added security prompt has returned when Google Pixel support said it shouldn't after deleting and adding face unlock.
Taking my case ID back to Pixel support. I'm not sure the agent was right about face unlock not occasionally duping to PIN unlock. Very annoying if this is intended or not.
72 hour bug?
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So my Pixel 4 XL face unlock did the same prompt for pin after another 72 hours. No reboot; no error or explanation why other than added security. I'm at 146 hours uptime.
I asked Pixel support again about this. They're researching but want me to do a factory reset now and get back to them.
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