Google's Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro smartphones feature a useful temperature sensor located on the back. This sensor allows users to check the temperature of various objects or even a person's body. Google appears to be enhancing this functionality to improve user experience.
Upcoming Automatic Temperature Detection
At present, the Pixel Thermometer app requires users to choose the type of material they wish to measure, such as food, metal, or glass, prior to taking a temperature reading. While this isn't a significant hassle, it does add an extra step compared to traditional thermometers.
According to a report from Android Authority, there are indications that the newest version of the Pixel Thermometer app (version 1.0.676362763) may introduce an automatic material detection feature. The app's coding hints that Google is developing a function that will automatically determine the object the phone is aimed at, removing the need for users to make manual selections.
Manual and Automatic Options
However, it seems that Google will keep the manual selection option available. The code explicitly states that both automatic detection and manual selection will be provided, allowing users to choose how they want to proceed. This flexibility could be beneficial if the automatic detection isn't entirely accurate or if a specific material necessitates a more careful selection.
Additionally, the report indicates that Google plans to implement a “TFLite model” to facilitate this feature. TFLite is a compact machine-learning model suitable for device-based tasks like image recognition. The app may leverage these models alongside data from the phone's camera to assess what you are aiming at.
Feature Availability
Currently, this update with the new feature has not yet been launched. The team at Android Authority attempted to activate it but had no success. Despite this, the code suggests that the automatic detection feature is forthcoming. When it does arrive, it is expected to be integrated into the existing material selection interface of the app.
