jeudi 31 mars 2022

How to set up te HP Elite Dragonfly G3 for working from home

The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is a fantastic laptop for getting work done, whether you want to use it at the office or anywhere else. The lightweight design, the great display, and the high-quality webcam mean you can just as easily take it with you and make video calls where you look great. We live in the era of remote and hybrid work, and the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is a great laptop for working from home.

But if you do want to work from home for extended periods of time, there are a few things you can do to make your experience that much better. Some accessories can greatly improve your productivity, so it’s worth looking into some options to make things that much better for you. Here are a few ways you can make the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 an even better laptop for working from home.

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Second monitor for the HP Elite Dragonfly G3

HP U27 4K Wireless Monitor

Probably one of the most important accessories you can get for your laptop is a second screen. Multi-monitor setups are a huge help when it comes to productivity, because they give you that much more space to work with. Working from home (or anywhere) often requires you to juggle a lot of apps at the same time, and while the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 has a good screen for multi-tasking and productivity, having another screen is a huge help. This way, you can see more apps at the same time without having to switch windows all the time, and you can keep everything in view. It’s easier to reference material on one screen and work on the other, and so on.

If you want a sharp monitor at an affordable price, the HP U27 is a fantastic option we’d recommend. It’s a 27-inch panel and it comes in 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. That means it can fit a ton of content and have that content look super sharp at the same time. You can open apps in split-screen mode and still see a lot of content at once, so it’s perfect for multi-tasking. The HP U27 also has built-in speakers so you can get more powerful sound from it, and it includes tilt and height adjustments so you can get a more comfortable viewing experience. As for how you can connect to it, you can use HDMI, DisplayPort, or connect wirelessly, which is a great option to have.

You can buy just one monitor and use it alongside your laptop’s screen (personally, that’s what I do), or you can buy a pair and have a setup completely focused on your bigger screens. Keep in mind, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 only has one HDMI port so you’ll need an adapter to connect multiple monitors.

    HP U27 4K Wireless Monitor
    The HP U27 is a sharp 27-inch display with 4K resolution and it's great for getting work done.

If you want the bigger viewing experience without having two monitors, another great option is going with an ultrawide monitor. These are single monitors that are wide enough to replace two monitors, and if you want to go that route, we recommend the Samsung S65UA monitor. This is a big monitor with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio and UWQHD resolution (3440 x 1440), so it gives you a ton of space to work with. Windows 11 has some improvements to split-screen multitasking with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, so a screen like this is better than ever. Plus, the display has a 100Hz refresh rate, it supports HDR10, and it connects via a USB Type-C cable. That means the monitor can also charge your laptop, and it even has Ethernet and USB ports that link up to your laptop. All of that data is connected with a single USB-C cable, so you can still free up the other ports on your laptop.

    Samsung S65UA
    The Samsung S65UA s an ultrawide monitor with a sharp UWQHD resolution and a 100Hz refresh rate. It connects vis a single cable, and it can serve as a USB hub for your PC.

Headset

Microsoft Surface Headphones featured

Something else you might need while you’re working from home is a headset for the HP Elite Dragonfly G3. It’s useful for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it can help you drown out distractions when you need to focus, you can play focus music, and so on. For another, you can listen to music or make calls much more clearly and without potentially bothering other people in your house. With a headset, you get a microphone closer to your mouth for clearer sound, and since you’re the only one who can hear it, it’s easier to share a workspace with someone else in your home.

it may not fit everyone’s budget, but if you want the best headset for Windows, you can’t get much better than Microsoft’s Surface Headphones 2. These are premium headphones with great sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC). But what really makes them great is how intuitive they are to use. Each earcup acts as a dial, which allows you to easily adjust the volume, but also the intensity of the ANC, so you can easily get the sound experience that’s most comfortable to you at any given time. Of course, it also has touch controls to control music playback, so you can tap to pause/play, for example. You can also use the Surface app for Windows to change equalizer and touch control settings, which isn’t something a lot of headphones support on Windows PCs.

    Surface Headphones 2
    The Surface Headphones 2 are the perfect pairing for a Windows PC. They have intuitive audio controls, a modern design, and you can configure them easily with the Surface app.

If you want something a bit more affordable, you might consider something like the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, which costs around $80. it doesn’t have all the fancy features of the Surface Headphones 2, but it does have multi-mode ANC, customizable equalizers, and up to 40 hours of playtime, so it’s still a great option, especially if you’re on a budget.

    Anker Soundcore Life Q30
    The Soundcore Life Q30 headset offers a solid listening experience with ANC support and 40 hours of battery life at a reasonable price.

Mouse and keyboard for the HP Elite Dragonfly G3

Typing on a laptop keyboard and using a touchpad is a fine compromise when you’re using a laptop on the go. That’s just the way things have to be in order to be portable. But if you’re working from home, you can get a better experience by buying a proper mouse and keyboard for the HP Elite Dragonfly G3. These can typing much more comfortable, and moving your mouse much quicker and more effective. You can buy just one of these things depending on your needs, or you can buy both.

For the keyboard, if you want a premium experience, we recommend the Razer Pro Type Ultra. This is one of Razer’s first products designed for the office, but it fits in very well. It has a sleek-looking design with a grey aluminum chassis and white keycaps that looks great in any office. The keyboard backlight is also white, so everything looks clean and professional. The keyboard uses Razer’s linear silent mechanical switches for a comfortable typing experience, plus you get a plush wrist rest that attaches magnetically to the keyboard. This is a great keyboard for work or even gaming. There’s also a wired version if you want to save a bit of money.

    Razer Pro Type Ultra
    The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a mechanical keyboard designed for productivity, featuring a sleek design and an included wrist rest for extra comfort.

As for the mouse, our recommendation has to go to the Logitech MX Master 3, which is one of the very best mice you can get right now for productivity. This is an ergonomic mouse (for right-hand users, at least) that can connect via Bluetooth or using the included dongle. It has customizable buttons with shortcuts that you can configure for specific apps, a 4,000 DPI sensor that works on any surface, and a premium MagSpeed scroll wheel that’s made from machined steel.

Using a feature called SmartShift, the MagSpeed wheel can change automatically between ratchet mode – where you feel each individual click as you scroll – for scrolling slowly, or a free-spin mode that allows you to scroll faster without feeling each click. Additionally, there’s a second scroll wheel on the side that you can use for horizontal scrolling when applicable. All of that makes this a fantastic mouse for work.

    Logitech MX Master 3
    The Logitech MX Master 3 is one of the best productivity mice you can find right now. It has a premium ergonomic design, customizable buttons and gestures, and a MagSpeed scroll wheel with SmartShift technology.

Thunderbolt dock

Plugable 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock

Like most other business laptops, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 has a solid supply of ports already and that should help you connect all the peripherals you want. But if you have a more complex setup with multiple displays, USB devices, and even if you want an Ethernet port, a Thunderbolt dock can be a huge help.

The Plugable 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 dock is one of the very best ones you can buy today, as it gives you just a ton of ports. Five USB Type-A ports one the back (plus one on the front), one USB Type-C port, two DisplayPort and two HDMI outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and SD card readers. That’s a ton of connectivity options, including a few ports that the HP Elite Dragonfly doesn’t have built-in. Gigabit Ethernet and SD card readers are two features you don’t get with the laptop, so they’re two great additions. Plus, it makes it easier to connect more displays and other USB peripherals. The dock even supports up to 96W of power delivery, so you can charge your laptop and connect all your peripherals with just one port.

It is a bit pricy, and you can look at some of the best docks for the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 if you want to explore other options. But very few will offer this much versatility, and even compared to other similar docks, this one isn’t overly expensive by any means.

    Plugable 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
    This Plugable docking station has a total of 14 ports, including USB Type-A, Ethernet, two display outputs, and more. You can connect all your peripherals to your laptop with a single cable, and it even supports power delivery.

Webcam

Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam

We left this one at the bottom because a webcam isn’t something you’re very likely to need with the HP Elite Dragonfly G3. This is a laptop that has a 5MP webcam with 1080p video and useful features like auto framing and lighting correction. For the majority of users, you should be able to use the built-in webcam to make high-quality video calls. As such, you’ll only need an external webcam if you really want the best of the best in webcam quality, or if you’re using a setup where the webcam on the laptop isn’t readily accessible.

If that applies to you, then the Dell UltraSharp 4K webcam is probably the best option for you. This is one of the very best webcams right now for a few reasons. For one thing, it supports 4K video, which is already very sharp. Not only that, it uses a Sony STARVIS sensor which offers great low-light performance, so it should work in even more environments. It also has smart features like auto framing, auto focus, lighting correction, and HDR support. To top it all off, the camera also includes a Windows Hello IR sensor so you can use it for facial recognition. There isn’t much more you could ask for here.

As we’ve mentioned, this isn’t something most users should need, but it’s the best upgrade you can get.

    Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam
    The Dell UltraSharp 4K webcam is one of the best webcams on the market today. It has a 4K sensor optimized for low light, smart features, and HDR support so you always look your best.

And those are the most essential items you might need to make the most of your HP Elite Dragonfly G3 while working from home. Not everyone will need everything on this list, but each of these things has its own reasons to be useful, and they’re all great products. One thing you might also need is a desk, assuming you don’t have one already. If that’s the case, you might want to consider a standing desk like the Flexispot Kana Pro Bamboo we reviewed a few months ago.

If you’re interested in buying the HP Elite Dragonfly G3, you’ll have to wait a little longer, since it hasn’t launched just yet. We’ll be sure to have a link down below as soon as it’s live. In the meantime, you can check out the best HP laptops you can buy today. You can always use some of these accessories to make your experience better with other laptops, too.

The post How to set up te HP Elite Dragonfly G3 for working from home appeared first on xda-developers.



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Listen, Unwind, or Explore with OPPO’s O Relax

Finding the right ambient sound app is a tedious process, as most of these types of apps are littered with low-quality sounds, ads, and bad UIs. Those of us that rely on nature sound loops, white noise, or ASMR tend to find ourselves with a collection of different apps to serve these purposes. OPPO users get access to an exclusive app called O Relax, which is the last ambient sound app that you’ll ever need. Packed with high-quality audio and customizable experiences, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a calming experience that can help you relax.

It’s important to take a few minutes each day to destress and block out the chaos of life. Your phone can now be your private meditation space with O Relax, which is included for free in ColorOS 12.1. The OPPO Find X5 Pro, along with most other OPPO devices gives you access to this amazing sanctuary app.

OPPO Find X5 Pro


Listen

The listen mode gives you access to a massive selection of different audio files, which you can add to your scene and fine-tune the volume levels. Start from presets that include ambient sounds, music, colored noise, or special collaboration projects with different themes.

O Relax Summer Seashore

The ambient sounds are a great way to create your own audio environment to help you fall asleep, relax, or meditate. If you want to drown out noise pollution from LEDs, appliances, or any sort of electronic device, try the different colored noises. The pink noise is perfect for canceling out the hum of LED noise, which is often annoying to people with sensitive ears.

When you create your own ambient paradise, you can use sounds from nature, life, cities, ASMR, and more. As you discover new sounds, they are downloaded and stored locally for playback without an internet connection. You can use this feature to queue up some custom sounds before getting on a plane, and then drown out the noise of the flight with some nice headphones.


Unwind

The unwind section is a few games that are designed to relieve stress. A simple bubble popper uses audio and visuals to create a satisfying experience. As you pop the bubbles, the powerful haptic feedback from the OPPO Find X5 Pro delivers instant gratification.

O Relax Unwind Game

The deep breathing exercise is a great way to achieve full relaxation. This game uses haptic feedback and audio cues, so you can follow along without even looking at your phone. Try laying on your back and setting the phone on your chest, as you feel the vibrations match up with your breathing. Explore the other fun little games to find calming and satisfying ways to fully unwind.


Explore

Immerse yourself in an audible world inspired by specific locations in different cities. Travel through places like Beijing, Shenzhen, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Reykjavik. Each city has a distinctly different sound, which can be adjusted between quiet and lively. A map will show you exactly where you are experiencing these sounds from, with a description of the area.

O Relax Explore

When you’re tired of cities on Earth, explore an alien planet in a 360 video. Tap on parts of the environment to see custom visuals and information about the alien world. The haptic feedback is synced with the video, which results in a very interesting connection to the environment.


The OPPO Find X5 Pro has an amazing built-in speaker that can fill your room with your calming sounds all night long. Because of the high-quality audio files used to make the O Relax sounds, everything sounds even better when paired with some nice speakers. Feel the bass of a thunderstorm, or immerse yourself in the city street ambiance as audio plays through whatever speaker setup you prefer. The addition of Dolby Atmos panoramic audio makes this experience better than ever,

Get access to O Relax on OPPO phones like the new Find X5 Pro. Learn more about this phone on our XDA forums below.

OPPO Find X5 Pro Forums
We thank OPPO for sponsoring this post. Our sponsors help us pay for the many costs associated with running XDA, including server costs, full time developers, news writers, and much more. While you might see sponsored content (which will always be labeled as such) alongside Portal content, the Portal team is in no way responsible for these posts. Sponsored content, advertising and XDA Depot are managed by a separate team entirely. XDA will never compromise its journalistic integrity by accepting money to write favorably about a company, or alter our opinions or views in any way. Our opinion cannot be bought.

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These are the Best iPhone SE 3 Cases to buy in 2022

Apple recently gave its budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone SE, a minor refresh. The latest model in the SE lineup features the same dated design as its predecessor, but it packs a couple of significant improvements on the inside. The iPhone SE 3 packs Apple’s flagship A15 Bionic chip, which is a huge step up from the A13 on the older model. In addition, it comes with a couple of connectivity improvements, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support.

For a starting price of $429, the new iPhone SE 3 is a decent pick for those who want a compact iPhone that offers great performance at an affordable price. So, if you’ve been planning to get one for yourself, make sure you order a case and screen protector as well. That’s because the iPhone SE 3 features glass on both the front and back, which is susceptible to scratches and dings in day-to-day use. A durable case and screen protector will go a long way in keeping your iPhone looking new for a long time. If you’re not sure which one to order, here are our top picks for the best iPhone SE 3 cases you can get right now.

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Official Cases

Since the iPhone SE 3 is identical to its predecessor on the outside, it perfectly fits in all the cases designed for the older model. Apple offers two official cases for the iPhone SE 3, with both featuring a minimal look and precise cutouts for all the buttons and ports.

    iPhone SE Leather Case

    Premium leather finish

    The iPhone SE Leather Case has a minimal design and offers a premium leather finish, precise cutouts, and an embossed Apple logo on the back. It’s available in three colors – Product Red, Black, and Midnight Blue.
    iPhone SE Silicone Case

    Durable silicone case

    The iPhone SE Silicone case features the same design as the leather case with precise cutouts, a smooth finish, and a printed Apple logo on the back. It’s available in four colors – Product Red, Chalk Pink, Abyss Blue, and Midnight.

Although Apple doesn’t offer any other first-party cases for the iPhone SE 3, there are plenty of third-party options available on Amazon. Check out the sections below for some great third-party alternatives.

Clear Cases

Clear cases are great picks for those who want to show off the original color of their smartphone without compromising on protection. Since the iPhone SE 3 is available in a couple of cool colors, you can consider getting one of these clear cases for it.

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid

    Anti-yellowing back

    The Spigen Ultra Hybrid clear case for the iPhone SE 3 features an anti-yellowing polycarbonate back.
    ESR Air Armor

    Military-grade drop protection

    The ESR Air Armor clear case for the iPhone SE 3 features a unique design with air pockets in the corners for military-grade drop protection.
    Spigen Liquid Crystal

    Slim clear case

    Looking for a slim case that's also clear? The Spigen Liquid Crystal case offers the best of both worlds.
    ESR Clear Silicone

    Cheap clear case

    Save a few bucks and get this basic clear silicone case from ESR for your new iPhone SE 3.

Thin Cases

The following options are for those who don’t like to use a case on their smartphone because of the added bulk. These thin cases provide basic scratch protection without making the phone uncomfortable to hold.

    TORRAS Slim Fit

    Super slim

    This slim fit case for the iPhone SE 3 features a raised bezel around the camera and display to protect them from scratches.
    Spigen Liquid Air Armor

    Comfortable grip

    Spigen's Liquid Air Armor case for the iPhone SE 3 has a slim profile and a textured back for a comfortable grip.
    Torras Shockproof slim fit

    Extra drop protection

    This variant of Torras' slim fit case has a silicone bumper for extra drop protection.

Rugged Cases

Do you tend to drop your phone more often than you’d like? You should probably invest in a rugged case for your iPhone SE 3. The following options provide enough drop protection to keep your phone looking as good as new even after several drops.

    Temdan rugged case

    Minimal design

    If you're not fond of rugged cases that have a rugged design, this case from Temdan could be a great pick for you.
    Driverbox rugged case

    Minimal alternative

    This iPhone SE 3 rugged case from Driverbox also features a minimal design with a plain back and plenty of protection.
    Sportlink waterproof rugged case

    Waterproof

    This rugged iPhone SE 3 case from Sportlink is IP68 certified, meaning that it will protect your phone from water damage.
    Otterbox Commuter

    Premium rugged case

    The Otterbox Commuter series case for the iPhone SE 3 is the most premium rugged case you can buy for your new phone.
    Supcase Unicorn Beetle

    Built-in screen protector

    The Supcase Unicorn Beetle case for the iPhone SE 3 is a great rugged case that comes with a built-in screen protector.

    Promoted

    Spigen Tough Armor

    MIL-STD 810G protection

    The Spigen Tough Armor case for the iPhone SE 3 offers MIL-STD 810G protection and a built-in kickstand.

Kickstand Cases

Do you often use your iPhone to watch movies or TV shows? You should get one of these kickstand cases for your iPhone SE 3 for a more comfortable viewing experience.

    Poetic Revolution

    Dual-layer design

    This rugged iPhone SE 3 case from Poetic has a dual-layer design for maximum protection, along with a built-in kickstand and screen protector.
    VEGO Kickstand Case

    Magnetic kickstand

    This rugged case for the iPhone SE 3 features a dual purpose kickstand that you can use to prop up your phone or mount it magnetically in your car.
    Silicone kickstand case

    Minimal design

    This silicone kickstand case for the iPhone SE 3 features a minimal design and it's available in nine cool colors.
    ESR kickstand case

    Clear kickstand case

    The ESR kickstand case for the iPhone SE 3 features a clear back plate that doesn't cover up your phone's gorgeous color.

Wallet Cases

For those who want a case that doubles up as a wallet to hold a few cards and spare cash, check out the following wallet cases for the iPhone SE 3.

    Vakoo wallet case

    RFID blocking

    This folio-style wallet case has room for two cards and some spare cash, along with an RFID blocking layer.
    Belemay wallet case

    Genuine leather

    This premium wallet case for the iPhone SE 3 is made of genuine leather and has enough room to hold three cards and some cash.
    Shieldon Wallet case

    Dual purpose

    The Shieldon wallet case features a dual purpose design that lets you use the folio cover as a kickstand.
    Smartish wallet case

    Unique design

    This cool-looking wallet case from Smartish features a unique design with a built-in pocket for three cards on the back.

Stylish Cases

This category is for those who want to add a dash of style or color to their smartphones with a stylish case. Check out the following options to jazz up your new iPhone SE 3.

    Caseology Parralax

    Stylish and rugged

    This cool-looking iPhone SE 3 case from Caseology features a geometric print at the back that gives it a unique appeal.
    i-Blason Cosmo

    Unique look

    Give your new iPhone SE 3 a unique look with this dual-layer protective case from iBlason.

    Promoted

    DTTO Silicone case

    Minimal

    Match your phone with your outfit with the DTTO Silicone case which is available in 24 color options.
    Tendlin Leather case

    Leather finish

    Tendlin's hybrid leather and TPU case offers an ample amount of protection and a premium finish.

Leather cases

Do you want your iPhone SE 3 to look more stylish and luxurious, while protecting it against potential accidents? Leather cases are the answer. They shield the affordable phone in addition to providing it with a more premium look.

    TORRO Genuine Leather Case with Card Slots

    360º Protection

    This 360º leather case offers a kickstand mode and card pockets. It's a mix that provides protection, extra functionality, and style. It's perfect for those who watch a lot of videos on their iPhones.
    SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Royal Series

    Rugged

    This rugged case has a built-in screen protector and a leather back. It's ideal for rough environments.

    Promoted

    Bocasal Genuine Leather Wallet Case

    Kickstand

    Available in four colors to pick from, this case includes a strap, has pockets for cash and cards, and offers a kickstand mode. It's the ultimate 360º leather case.

That rounds up our list of the best iPhone SE 3 cases that you can get right now. Pick the one that’s best suited for your requirements, whether it’s all-around protection, storage, or a unique look. If you still haven’t ordered the device yet, you can click on the link below to order the iPhone SE 3 right now!

    iPhone SE 3 (2022)
    Although Apple claims that the new iPhone SE 3 features the most durable glass on a smartphone, you should probably get a case for it anyway.

Which one of these iPhone SE 3 cases fulfills your requirements? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Apple won’t release an under-display Touch ID iPhone anytime soon, even though your sibling can unlock your Face ID iPhone

Apple’s iPhones are great smartphones, and they have been so for a fair few years now. No matter which side of the Android vs iOS debate you stand on, it’s hard not to recognize the iPhone as a piece of tech that everyone in the industry tries to compete against. Anything that Apple does with the iPhone, the smartphone industry mocks for the first year and then shamelessly copies the next year. On the flip side, Apple is very slow to jump on new tech, and Android OEMs usually have features years before the Cupertino-based giant decides to adopt them. One such situation is under-display fingerprint sensors, a tech that Android OEMs have adopted since 2018. If you were waiting for Apple to adopt an in-display fingerprint sensor, you’ll have to wait a few more years, even though Touch ID has plenty of its own issues.

Under-Display Touch ID delayed on iPhone

According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhones releasing in 2023 and 2024 will not be adopting under-display Touch ID. Kuo had previously predicted that 2023 could be the year when Apple makes the jump to under-display tech on the iPhone. But this prediction is now being revised, indicating we will have to pass over 3 more generations of iPhones before we have a chance of seeing Touch ID back on them in the form of an under-display solution.

Note that the prediction doesn’t explicitly mention that the iPhone in 2026 will adopt an under-display Touch ID. For one, that is too far out in the future to accurately predict at this stage. And Apple has presented nothing either to indicate that they are interested in bringing back Touch ID at all. This is where the problem arises.

PSA: Face ID on iPhones can evolve to be unlocked by your sibling

When Apple made the jump from Touch ID to Face ID with the iPhone X, a lot was claimed about its superiority. Compared to face unlock as it was present on Android smartphones, Face ID was and remains so much more secure — Android phones simply matched an optical likeness, while Apple does a far more precise 3D scan. The 3D facial scan is very accurate, and Apple claims there is only a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of another random person being able to unlock your iPhone with their face. Compared to the 1 in 50,000 error rate for Touch ID, Face ID does appear to be a far more secure solution.

These claims do come with fine print though, and ones that I feel are not publicized enough. While yes, you can’t trick Face ID by holding up a simple photo, you can beat it with a face that looks very similar to yours. As Apple itself notes in its documentation (emphasis added):

The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone or iPad Pro and unlock it using Face ID is less than 1 in 1,000,000 with a single enrolled appearance whether or not you’re wearing a mask. As an additional protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before a passcode is required. The statistical probability is higher — and further increased if using Face ID with a mask — for twins and siblings that look like you, and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend using a passcode to authenticate. You can also use Face ID without enabling Face ID with a mask.

Apple does not quantify this statistical probability. And there’s no way to know if they also account for the fact that these strangers (twins and siblings) are far more likely to be in physical proximity to your iPhone than a random person with a similar fingerprint.

So when I found out that my brother can open my iPhone 13 Pro with just a casual look, I was really (and rightfully) shocked.

My brother is 6 years younger than me, but we do look fairly similar — as siblings often do. We aren’t twins though, and the age difference between us, as well as our personal preferences on hair and facial hair ensures that we definitely don’t look like photocopies of each other at any point. I was under the impression that this would be enough to keep my iPhone locked to me. However, all that my brother needs to do to unlock my iPhone is just look at it. Since we live in the same house (meaning he has plenty of opportunities to physically access my iPhone), the net effect is that my iPhone can be very easily and frequently unlocked by someone who is not me — and that is just insane.

Before you jump angrily to the comments, let me clarify some things. One, my iPhone has only one appearance enrolled in it, and that is mine. There are no alternative appearances enrolled, neither of myself, nor of my brother. I did set up Face ID unlock with Mask, but my brother can unlock my phone with this option disabled too. I do have Apple Watch unlock set up as well, but my brother can again unlock my phone with this option disabled too. No, he does not have my passcode, and he doesn’t even really need it. [I would have presented video proof of this whole charade, but my sibling is not comfortable being recorded for use on the Internet, and so you have to take my word on this sibling-unlocking happening.]

Face ID on iPhone

The only explanation I have been able to find is that this is rather intentional in a way. As mentioned in Apple’s documentation, it is possible to train Face ID to work on faces that bear a close resemblance.

Face ID automatically adapts to changes in your appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair. If there is a more significant change in your appearance, like shaving a full beard, Face ID confirms your identity by using your passcode before it updates your face data.

And further:

This data will be refined and updated as you use Face ID to improve your experience, including when you successfully authenticate. Face ID will also update this data when it detects a close match but a passcode is subsequently entered to unlock the device.

Essentially, if my sibling or any other close resemblance attempts a Face ID unlock unsuccessfully and then I enter the password to open the phone, Face ID will take this as a learning opportunity to update my appearance in its database, merging my stored appearance with this newer appearance. Every unsuccessful Face ID + successful password unlock will train the AI behind Face Unlock to perform better in the future. The caveat then is that this makes it entirely possible that eventually, your iPhone can be opened by your sibling, especially if they have frequent access to your phone, even if such unlock or training is not intentional. So don’t be surprised if one day your sibling can suddenly open your iPhone with their face.

Touch ID > Face ID

Within the context of what I have laid down, I’ve been forced to disable Face ID on my iPhone. I trust my brother to not indulge in my personal data, but I am still extremely uncomfortable with the very idea that he has unlimited access to every single piece of information on my iPhone, including my banking and investment apps.

In a world with Touch ID iPhones, I would have had to worry about a small probability of bumping into a person who has a fingerprint similar enough to mine, who has access to my iPhone and wants to get inside of it. In a world with AI-based Face ID iPhones, there’s an even smaller probability that I come across a stranger who bears my facial resemblance. But what do I do about the sibling who can already unlock my Face ID iPhone?

In my current reality, I wish I could go back to a Touch ID iPhone. There’s no way to disable Face ID from learning and evolving appearances. So even if I do reset my stored appearance, it is only a matter of days and weeks before it matches the two faces again. Apple’s eloquent solution here is to ask users to just disable Face ID completely, and that is what I have done for now. Since I was already used to not being able to easily unlock my iPhone over the past two years because I had a mask on (Apple took its sweet time to roll out Face mask-based unlocking), the inconvenience is rather familiar. A part of me still hoped that a future iPhone flagship could bring back Touch ID. But looks like I will have to wait for a while now.

Until then, I’ll be using my banking apps on my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and my other Android devices.

The post Apple won’t release an under-display Touch ID iPhone anytime soon, even though your sibling can unlock your Face ID iPhone appeared first on xda-developers.



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