They talked about an incomplete thermometer feature during the launch of the Google Pixel 8 series, and now it’s getting enhanced with the latest Pixel update. This feature can now be utilized as a “medical grade” thermometer for measuring human body temperature.
The thermometer feature on the phone can now be used to check someone’s body temperature. Google labels it as “medical grade,” indicating that the company likely received approval from the FDA.
Although Google claims accuracy in its temperature readings, relying solely on it may not be advisable. Initial testing of the Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor against an industrial thermometer yielded inconsistent results. Further testing is needed to confirm its accuracy.
Interestingly, a recent poll revealed that most Pixel 8 Pro users don’t use the temperature sensor frequently. However, if Google has indeed improved the accuracy of human temperature readings, it might lead to increased usage among users.
Google has introduced not only the thermometer feature but also numerous other new features.
For instance, Pixel phones are now getting the Circle to Search feature, similar to what Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S24. This feature allows users to easily perform Google searches by long-pressing the home button on selected content.
Another new addition is Magic Compose, making its way to the Pixel 6 series. It resembles the “Help me write” feature for Google Chrome, enabling users to draft messages in various styles using AI. While this processing occurs directly on the Pixel 8 Pro, older Pixel models rely on internet connectivity for cloud-based processing, which may result in slower performance.
In this update, Google has replaced Nearby Share with Quick Share, aligning with Samsung’s terminology. However, the functionality remains the same, allowing users to share content between Windows, ChromeOS, and Android devices nearby, provided they support the feature.
It’s worth noting that Google has incorporated all these features into the latest phones, including the Google Pixel 8, which ships with the latest version of Android.
