Google uses games to beef up Android phone’s unlock feature in response to consumer concern
The Android phone isn’t even out yet, but some concerned citizens are already questioning the security of the unlock feature included on the device. Rather than entering a numeric code, Android requires you to connect 9 on-screen dots using a personalized pattern. While on the surface this seems like just another gimmick for helping you remember keypad numbers, TechChrunch is citing concern that finger smudges left on the touch-sensitive screen of the phone may give away the key to the castle to thieves or strangers.
While the official response from Google was “that’s just totally stupid because those smudges would be oversmudged by other smudges from actual phone use”, the famed technology company does realize that a non-trivial percentage of their target consumer audience comprises intellectually limited ignoramuses who just want to argue. Therefore, in a quick pre-release move, Google has modified the unlock feature which will now require the would-be thief to beat the owner’s score in a quick game of Space Invaders in order to unlock the device.
“That oughta hold’em”, giggled one member of the Google Android team, who refused to be named. “We put some new nasties into the game that should make it extra interesting”.
Indeed, the device may have now become so secure that the owners themselves may have trouble getting in. “I was hyped up on Red Bull last night and totally crushed my own record score,” complains Josh, a college student who is beta-testing the new change. “Now I can’t get back in.” The FBI has already expressed concern that situations like this may cause kids to turn to illegal drugs like heroin in order to best their own records.
But Google remains unperturbed. “Next time they’ll think twice before complaining about something stupid like that,” says Kathy, a marketing executive with the company. “We’ll keep the feature on for week or two and then revert back to the original method via a patch. That should teach them a lesson in consumer manners.”
October 13th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I’ve actually gotten to play with one of these already… well, I got to hold it and check out the keyboard and number functions and such. There wasn’t much playing involved since the network isn’t fully operational yet and it won’t be in my area til next year at some point. It seems pretty cool though, and definitely a good platform for new ideas as far as phone software is concerned.
I wonder if someone will make an app where you can change your lock code game from Space Invaders to Tetris or Pac-Man or something else along those lines. Not all of us are good at the top-down shooters, you know.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
>>> I wonder if someone will make an app where you can change your lock code game from Space Invaders to Tetris or Pac-Man or something else along those lines. Not all of us are good at the top-down shooters, you know
I’ll talk to ma peeps at google
October 18th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have a girly pink Android. To get in, you have to catch a Barred Knife Jaw in two tries.