Google Pixel 8 Pro finally gets the ability to read body temperature

The first Pixel feature drop of the year is here. It brings a good number of new features to the latest devices in Google’s portfolio. With this drop, the Google Pixel 8 Pro also got a long-awaited feature. The current Google flagship can finally read human body temperatures.

Until now, the temperature sensor of the Pixel 8 Pro could only take readings of objects. But Google did have a valid reason why the sensor didn’t work on humans: it didn’t have the required FDA approvals. Now, the company is calling the phone’s ability to read human body temperature a “medical-grade feature,” which suggests it has secured the required clearance from the FDA.

With the latest Pixel feature drop, Pixel 8 Pro users can use the Thermometer app to get a temperature scan of their forehead. The app also allows saving the results to the Fitbit profile, enabling the users to get a “deeper understanding” of their health.

Google claims that the feature can offer accurate body temperature readings. But the claim is yet to be tested against a medical-grade thermometer. Until then, it would be a good idea not to rely solely on Pixel 8 Pro (available on Amazon) to check for a fever.