Google Pixel 8 Pro could double up as an IR thermometer

Multiple leaks have confirmed the Pixel 8 Pro will, for the most part, look like its predecessor. However, it is slated to bring many videography improvements and even a LiDAR sensor. A new leak from renowned data miner Kuba Wojciechowski (via 91mobiles) now highlights another exciting feature headed to the Google flagship.

In what appears to be leaked promotional material, the Pixel 8 Pro is shown to double up as a thermometer. One needs to bring the phone's rear-mounted IR sensors near their forehead and move it towards the temple for a temperature reading. Google adds the sensor requires access to bare skins and will not work correctly with any obstructions. The report adds that the sensor can also measure the temperatures of external objects.

Strictly speaking, this feature isn't new and has been a part of Chinese-origin smartphones such as the Umidigi A9 and Honor Play 4 Pro. However, it was not to be found in subsequent releases, making one wonder why the Pixel 8 Pro wants to bring it back. Besides, plenty of smartwatches from Fitbit, Garmin and Amazfit can measure body temperatures with much better accuracy. Perhaps it could find some niche uses as an external IR thermometer or the sensor itself could be repurposed for other applications. 

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