Google Pixel 8 Pro Can Now Check Body Temperature in the US

One of the more intriguing features of the Pixel 8 Pro, launched by Google last year, has been its discrete temperature sensor, situated alongside its rear cameras within the oblong camera visor. This sensor has so far been able to determine if your coffee is warm or cold, essentially scanning any object to report its temperature with a considerable degree of accuracy. However, the device initially lacked the ability to report whether someone had a fever. This limitation has now been addressed.

Users in the US can now place a Pixel 8 Pro near their forehead to check for a fever. It is not known whether or when this capability might be enabled in other countries, as this likely depends on local regulations around medical devices. According to a Google blog post, the US Food and Drug Administration's clearance was granted in mid-December, allowing the feature to be enabled in the January Pixel feature drop software update.

The Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor operates by detecting infrared radiation emitted by the object being measured, with a sensitivity range from -4 degrees to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. For body temperature, Google says the sensor's accuracy is +- 3 degrees C within the range of 36.1 – 40 degrees (96.9 – 104 degrees F), making it as accurate as commonly available body temperature thermometers.

The Pixel 8 Pro can ascertain temperature within seconds, displaying the result on the phone’s screen. This is facilitated through the dedicated Thermometer app, where you select 'Body temperature'. According to Google, you must maintain a 2-inch distance from the object for accurate measurement.

This requirement may vary under certain circumstances. For instance, when measuring the temperature of a sizzling dish, you might need to be positioned further away to prevent the sensor from fogging up.

This change comes at a time when Google has launched a new Mint coloured Pixel 8 Pro in the US. Google could be announcing new Pixel phones at Google IO which could involve an affordable Pixel 8A phone which will likely be made in India. Later in the year, the Pixel 9 series will be coming whose renders have already been leaked and looked squared off like an iPhone, and notably retain the temperature sensor.