The temperature sensor is exclusive to this year’s more expensive Pixel 8 Pro, and there are several creative uses for it that app developers will likely be aware of. However, Google has locked down this sensor so that only trusted apps can get information from it and minimize the possibility of abuse and subsequent consequences.
Only pre-installed or Google-signed apps can retrieve data from the Pixel 8 Pros temperature sensor.
For those who don’t know, the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor is not FDA-approved, possibly due to the sensor’s tendency to give false readings when in close contact with human skin. Over at X, Mishal Rahman has published a long post mentioning that apps that are allowed to receive data from a temperature sensor must have the com.google.sensor.permission.FAR_INFRARED_TEMPERATURE permission.
Unfortunately, this permission is only available for pre-installed or Google-signed apps. Mika or @mikagetsangry, forced the thermometer program out of compile mode in an attempt to obtain a license. Unfortunately, after recompiling, the program cannot read from the thermometer sensor. Upon further digging, it was found that there is a preset emission value for each type of object.
Here’s a look at the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor, courtesy of @iFixitThe phone is broken
If you’re curious, Google has locked down the temperature sensor so that only trusted apps can get information from it. Apps must have the license pic.twitter.com/CqQXYiCMEJ
Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 20, 2023
For example, fabrics have an emissivity of 0.85f, while for organic food and beverages, this level is close to the acceptable emissivity of human skin, which is 0.98f. Rahman posted that based on these options it is possible to get near accurate temperature readings. However, he cautions that we will have to wait for FDA approval before the official body temperature measurement mode is released.
The FOOD_ORGANIC and BEVERAGE_WATER options are set to 0.95, which is closest to the accepted value of human skin emissivity (0.98), so if you choose either option, you may get fairly close to accurate skin temperature readings. Of course, it’s best to wait until the sensor gets FDA approval so they can implement the proper body temperature mode.
It goes without saying that the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor shouldn’t be called a replacement for a real thermometer, as Google’s licensing restrictions suggest. This is quite an interesting find from Rahman, so we recommend you check out the entire post to get the nitty-gritty of what Google is doing and what its plans are for the Pixel 8 Pro.
News source: Mishal Rahman
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Image Source : wccftech.com