Google Pixel 8 Pro’s hands-on video reveals a built-in thermometer

We expected Google to show the preview of the Pixel 8 series at its I/O event in May, but that didn't happen. However, a hands-on video of the Pixel 8 Pro has now appeared online, showcasing that the phone will come with a built-in thermometer. This isn't the first time that Google has included a unique feature in its Pixel phones. The company announced Soli radar in the Pixel 4, which could be used for gesture control and face unlock. Anyways, let's talk about the rumors about the Google Pixel 8 Pro with a temperature sensor.

Google Pixel 8 Pro may have an infrared thermometer on the back, according to Kuba Wojciechowski (via 91Mobiles). This was shown in a leaked tutorial video.

The video, which was first shared on YouTube but has since been taken down, shows the Pixel 8 Pro with a design similar to its predecessor. It has a camera bump with three cameras, but this time Google has placed all three sensors in a pill-shaped module. The Pixel 7 Pro has two cameras together and one separate at the back.

The only difference is a new sensor below the LED light. According to 91Mobiles, this is a dedicated infrared thermometer sensor that can be used to measure body temperature. This sensor is similar to those used in contactless thermometers.

The tutorial video also shows how the built-in thermometer in the Pixel 8 Pro works. First, make sure your forehead and skin are free of any accessories. Then, bring the phone's IR sensor close to your forehead, but don't touch your skin. You can then move the phone toward your temple within five seconds to start measuring your temperature. After the measurement is completed, the phone will vibrate and display your temperature.

The report suggests that the built-in thermometer will only be available in the Pixel 8 Pro because it requires additional hardware. In addition to measuring body temperature, the Pixel 8 Pro will also be able to measure the temperature of objects. Data is expected to be stored locally and will be handled through the Android Private Compute Core.

This is not the first phone we have seen with a built-in temperature sensor though. In fact, the feature was present in Honor Play 4 introduced back in 2020. It’s just that the feature has not been widely adopted by other smartphone manufacturers. But Google appears to be taking a step in that direction with the Pixel 8 Pro.