Pixel 8 Pro: New temperature sensor detailed with Google seeking FDA approval

The rumours were true: Google has equipped the Pixel 8 Pro with a rear-mounted temperature sensor. Arguably, the sensor is a return to Google including unusual hardware in its smartphones. While Google has toed the consensus line for the Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 7 series, Pixel models of old had pressure-sensitive side rails (Active Edge). More recently, Google trialled Motion Sense (Project Soli) on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, which has never returned.

While these features effectively served to improve the experience of using a Pixel, the temperature sensor in the Pixel 8 Pro sits siloed in a new Thermometer app. According to 9to5Google and MKBHD, the sensor works best when objects are within 5 cm of the camera bar. Additionally, the sensor is only accurate for temperatures between -20 °C and 150 °C.

Moreover, Google has not received the certifications needed to allow its sensor to measure the temperature of people or animals. Instead, the Thermometer app contains presets for various surfaces and foodstuffs, including ceramic, shiny and matte metal or drinks. With that being said, Google hopes to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to open up the Thermometer app to measure body temperature. Please see our Pixel 8 Pro launch article for more details about Google's latest flagship.

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