Google’s Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor outperforms forehead thermometers

Last year, Google released the Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, which came equipped with a built-in thermometer. At the time, it seemed like an odd addition with the COVID pandemic nearing its end. Furthermore, the thermometer could only be used to measure the temperature of objects and food, not humans, as Google was still waiting for FDA clearance. However, with the recent January Pixel Feature Drop update, the temperature measuring capability of the Pixel 8 Pro was expanded to include humans. And if you thought this feature was just a gimmick, think again. Google claims that the body temperature feature on the Pixel 8 Pro is actually more accurate than forehead thermometers.

In a blog post on The Keyword, Google delved into the details of the Pixel 8 Pro’s body temperature measuring capability. Ravi Narasimhan, a research and development technical lead at Google, initially developed a miniaturized device with an infrared sensor for body temperature measurements about five years ago. This device eventually evolved into a feature on the Pixel phone, thanks to the inclusion of LiDAR and infrared sensors.

According to Google, the Pixel 8 Pro measures body temperature by scanning the temporal artery using its infrared sensor. This measurement is then passed to an algorithm that calculates the final temperature reading.

Citing a study from the National Library of Medicine, Google asserts that its data is more accurate than forehead thermometers, which take readings from the center of the forehead. However, unlike forehead thermometers, the Pixel 8 Pro requires users to sweep the phone across their forehead and past the temporal artery to obtain a temperature reading.

In Google’s testing, their software algorithm was able to calculate body temperature with an error margin of ±0.3°C in the range of 96.9°F – 104°F (36.1°C – 40°C) compared to an FDA-cleared temporal artery thermometer. This level of accuracy helped the Pixel 8 Pro’s thermometer receive FDA De Novo classification, where a clinical validation study was conducted involving numerous participants. It is worth noting that this is the first time a smartphone sold in the US has received this classification from the FDA.

Thanks to the Pixel 8 Pro’s wide field of view infrared sensor, it can detect heat even when the phone is not in close proximity to the forehead. However, the best temperature readings are obtained when the phone is within half an inch of the forehead.

The response to the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature measuring capability has been overwhelmingly positive. Healthcare professionals have also shown interest in the feature, as it could potentially be used for initial screenings or monitoring patients’ temperatures remotely.

Google has also announced plans to collaborate with medical professionals and researchers to further enhance the Pixel’s temperature measuring capabilities. They aim to explore its potential in other healthcare applications, such as early detection of illnesses or tracking changes in body temperature over time.

Additionally, Google is working on incorporating machine learning algorithms into the Pixel’s thermometer feature. This would enable the device to provide even more precise temperature readings and potentially identify patterns or abnormalities in body temperature that could be indicative of underlying health conditions.

However, some concerns have been raised about privacy and data security. As the Pixel collects and processes personal health data, Google assures users that all information is stored securely on the device and is not shared with any third parties without explicit user consent.

Despite the success of the Pixel’s temperature measuring feature, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for traditional medical devices or professional healthcare advice. The feature is meant to assist users in monitoring their own body temperature and should not be solely relied upon for medical decisions.