The more and more we use our smartphones, the more important it becomes that we lock our phones, but we need a quick way to do it. Entering a password or swipe pattern is not efficient. Motorola recently implemented a fingerprint reader with the Atrix, but I have not used it to comment on if it works well. They don’t appear to be implementing it on other devices, but I like the concept.

Another concept is facial recognition. An app called Visidon Applock lets you protect user-selected apps from opening unless it recognizes your face. If for some reason it does not work there is a password that you can enter to bypass it. The one limitation is that you need a front-facing camera to snap your picture. In theory this seems excellent, but for now there seems to be some bugs as some people have been able to bypass it.

This is an app worth keeping an eye on though because it will get refined. As it gets refined I would like to see the option to be able to not just limit it to apps, but have a choice to lock your entire phone. This way everything is locked. I can see why this not be an option for now, since some bugs need to be worked out.

I also like this concept for not just privacy from the people around you, but for losing your phone. Yes, you can install apps that let you wipe your phone, but this makes more sense. If nobody can get in your phone that is the best way. You may not even realize instantly that you lost your phone, not to mention you may not even remember the command you have to text to your phone to lock or wipe it.

Check out the video and hit the QR code below or source link for the Android Market

[via android market]