Google is rolling out a new feature to Android devices, and by the looks of it, it’s going to solve a particular security problem. If users leave their smartphone or tablet unmonitored and forget to lock them with a pass, pattern, pincode, or other security precaution, one could easily gain access to the devices in their absence. The solution is very simple – Google employs the accelerometer in a new feature named On-body detection to check whether users are holding their devices in their hands or pockets. Once they leave the device somewhere, it automatically locks itself.
The simple method isn’t able to recognize that it’s you of all people holding your smartphone or tab in this very moment. It can only detect movement and understand whether the device is held, pocketed, or laying still.
The feature seems to be slowly rolling out on Android devices running Android 5.0 and later. It appears to be a part of the most recent Google Play Services version (7.0.97) and it’s showing up on Nexus and non-Nexus devices alike, although the rollout is limited.
