Google’s Pixel smartphones have continually striven to simplify and enhance user experiences, occasionally incorporating some offbeat features. Remember the Soli radar sensor on the Pixel 4? While it was outstanding in its own right, it ultimately vanished from subsequent releases. Following this trajectory, the recently released Pixel 8 Pro presents a contrasting stance.
In an unconventional move, Google has equipped the Pixel 8 Pro with a Temperature Sensor located on the back of the device. The sensor, when within close proximity, is capable of detecting the surface temperature of an object. However, its functionality remains limited for now. Google awaits FDA approval to expand the sensor’s capabilities and measure human body temperatures. Currently, users can only rely on an app that detects the surface temperature of objects.
Truth be told, this temperature sensor has proven to be remarkably useless during my time with the Pixel 8 Pro. I’ve only utilized the sensor twice in several weeks, both occasions being solely for the purpose of understanding its functionality for our review. Although it does work and the app is user-friendly, I haven’t yet come across a single practical use case for it. Most of the time, I forget that the sensor even exists.
Even Google itself has struggled to identify a genuinely valuable use case for this feature, resulting in its obscurity. The sensor is only visible in one app and is never mentioned in marketing efforts. On Google’s own store page for the Pixel 8 Pro, it receives only a passing mention.
In fact, when Android Central’s Nick Sutrich conducted a series of tests pitting the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor against a traditional thermometer, the results were far from impressive. The Pixel’s readings were consistently offa significant margin, further confirming its lack of usefulness. Yet, even upon reading this, my initial reaction was “Oh right, that’s actually a feature.”
Appliances may change lives, but not every innovation does. The potential addition of human body temperature detection does not instill much hope regarding the sensor’s utility. It is highly doubtful that the Pixel phone’s next iteration will include this seemingly forgettable feature.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro?
The temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro is capable of detecting the surface temperature of objects when within a few inches.
Is the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro useful?
So far, the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro has proven to be largely useless. Despite its functionality and user-friendly app, there are currently no valid use cases for it.
Will the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro be able to measure human body temperatures?
Google is awaiting FDA approval to extend the capabilities of the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro to measure human body temperatures. However, the usefulness of this feature remains uncertain.
New Article: Unraveling the Pixel 8 Pro Temperature Sensor .
The post New Article: Unraveling the Pixel 8 Pro Temperature Sensor first appeared on Daily Kiran.
