Pixel 8 Pro has a new temperature sensor. Can it 'read' an overheated iPhone 15 Pro?

The rumors were true! Well, kind of. Google just announced the new Pixel 8 Pro and it comes with a new temperature sensor, which is situated on the handset’s signature camera visor.

In mid-May, a leaked Google Pixel 8 Pro video from 91mobilesand reliable X leaker Kamila Wojciechowskasuggested that the built-in thermometer was originally meant to measure body temperature. In the video, a woman is seen holding the Pixel 8 Pro up to her forehead and “scanning” it. When the phone vibrates, it shows her results.

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However, when Google unveiled the Pixel 8 Pro on Wednesday, the search engine tech giant marketed the sensor as something different than we expected.

Pixel 8 Pro: Everything you should know about the new temperature sensor

Unlike the rumors, the thermometer placed inside the Pixel 8 Pro is not advertised as a sensor that can measure body temperature. Instead, Google is marketing the sensor as an object temperature, allowing you to measure the temperature of things like beverages, cookware, and more.

Why? Google said that it hasn't received FDA approval for it yet, but once it does, you should be able to use it

It could be particularly helpful if your partner asks you to unplug their iPhone 15 Pro from its charger. Some upper-tier models have been reportedly overheating(though our iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Maxreview units stayed pretty cool).

Jokes aside, as silly as the Pixel 8 Pro’s thermometer sounds, I’m willing to give it a chance to prove to me that it’s not just a gimmick. Here are the use cases Google provided for the new temperature sensor:

• Check the temperature of a pan

• Ensuring the milk in your baby's bottle is the right temperature

• Take your own temperature; the readings will be saved to the FitBit app in the future
  

I can see the Pixel 8 Pro’s new sensor as an accessibility tool of sorts. Differently abled users – perhaps someone with congenital insensitivity (inability to feel pain) – may benefit from a built-in thermometer like the one inside the priciest Pixel handset. After all, it’d surely help to test whether pots, pans, and other objects are hot before touching them.

Once FDA approval is cleared, the thermometer’s most advantageous use case would be using it as a fever checker. I can see parents using this sensor to quickly determine if their child has an abnormal body temperature.

If the thought of owning a phone with a built-in thermometer tickles you, you can pre-order the new Pixel 8 Pro for $999. The phone is expected to officially hit store shelves next week.