Google has recently upgraded the Pixel 8 Pro with a groundbreaking feature – the ability to read body temperature. This innovative update transforms the smartphone into a more health-centric device, offering users a convenient way to monitor their body temperature.
Key Highlights:
- Google Pixel 8 Pro can now read body temperatures through a forehead scan.
- The temperature reading functionality is integrated into the Thermometer app.
- Results can be color-coded and logged directly to Fitbit trackers.
- Feature currently available only in the United States.
- The sensor was initially limited to measuring temperatures of objects due to lack of FDA approvals.
Google’s Pixel 8 Pro has taken a significant step forward in integrating health monitoring capabilities into smartphones. With the latest feature drop, the device now boasts the ability to read human body temperatures, expanding its utility beyond traditional smartphone functions.
Transformative Technology
Initially, the Pixel 8 Pro’s sensor was limited to measuring the temperatures of objects, as Google hadn’t secured the necessary FDA approvals for human temperature readings. This limitation has been overcome, and the phone’s temperature-reading feature is now described as a “medical-grade feature.”
The Temperature Reading Process
To use the feature, users simply need to place the phone against their forehead and sweep it gently towards the temple. The Thermometer app, which facilitates this process, requires users to select the age range of the person being scanned before providing a reading. The results are then displayed in color-coded ranges, indicating normal, elevated, or high temperatures. These readings can be logged directly to Fitbit devices for a comprehensive view of one’s health metrics.
Regulatory Compliance and Availability
Achieving FDA approval indicates the reliability and accuracy of this feature, classifying it as a medical-grade capability. However, the feature’s availability is currently restricted to the U.S. due to regulatory requirements, reflecting the complexities involved in the global deployment of health-related technologies in consumer electronics.
Geographical Availability
It’s important to note that this functionality is currently available only in the United States. The activation of this feature is contingent upon the user’s SIM card location, reflecting the regulatory considerations in the realm of healthcare technology.
A Step Forward in Health Technology
The addition of body temperature measurement to the Pixel 8 Pro’s capabilities marks a significant advancement in the convergence of health technology and mobile devices. By offering users a convenient and quick way to monitor their health, Google is not only enhancing the utility of its smartphones but also contributing to the broader trend of technology-enabled health awareness.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s latest feature of reading body temperature represents a notable enhancement in smartphone capabilities, particularly in the realm of health monitoring. While its current limitation to the United States market underscores the challenges of regulatory compliance in health technology, the feature’s integration into the Thermometer app and compatibility with Fitbit devices showcases the evolving intersection of technology and healthcare. This development not only enhances the Pixel 8 Pro’s appeal but also signals a growing trend in the incorporation of health-monitoring functions into everyday devices.
