Keep your Android device unlocked with Extend Unlock

Google recently introduced two new features to its Android 13 operating system - Extend Unlock and Active Unlock. Extend Unlock is designed to work similarly to Smart Lock, allowing users to keep their devices unlocked when they are connected to a recognized Bluetooth device. This feature can be particularly useful for those who find it frustrating to have to enter a passcode or use a fingerprint sensor every time they pick up their device.

Another new feature introduced is the Active Unlock API. This feature allows Wear OS devices to control the lock state of a host device running Android 13 or later. Essentially, this means that Wear OS devices can be used to unlock a smartphone or tablet without requiring the user to enter a passcode or use a fingerprint sensor. This could be particularly useful for those who use their devices frequently while on the go.

While these new features are undoubtedly exciting for Android users, there have been some reports of confusion and difficulty during the transition from Smart Lock to Extend Unlock. Additionally, it is unclear when Watch Unlock will become available or how it will function compared to Extend Unlock. Some users have also reported bugs or issues with Extend Unlock, as discussed in the Google Issue Tracker thread.

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