Not all apps can access data from the Pixel 8 Pro's Thermometer

Before the Pixel 8 series launched, the leaks that the Pro model will have a thermometer hit the internet. At launch, netizens got to see this sensor on the Pro device, but now some apps are not able to access data from this sensor. This feature is a great addition to the Pixel 8 Pro, and it will be put to use for health and other reasons by users of this device.

However, Google sees areas where developers and bad actors can make moves to abuse this feature. To combat this possibility, Google is now locking access to data from this sensor to only a few apps and services. By doing this, Google is limiting access to this feature for developers and keeping a close eye on the apps that have access to this sensor to control the data they collect.

This decision by Google was made public by popular Android tipster Mishaal Rahman via his X page. There he listed out types of apps that’ll have access to data measured by the thermometer. Here is everything you need to know, just in case you own or are planning to purchase a Pixel 8 Pro and intend to use the thermometer.

Here are the types of apps that can access data from the Pixel 8 Pro thermometer

Aside from the concerns of abusing the thermometer sensor on the Google Pixel 8 Pro, there is another major concern. This has to do with the fact that the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro lacks FDA approval. A possible reason for this is that using it on human skin might produce inaccurate results.

For this reason, Google is now reducing access to this feature for developers. Only pre-installed Google apps and apps that need Google sign-in can access this feature. This helps Google to keep an eye on how this thermometer is put to use until it gets FDA approval.

A netizen by the name of Mika tried to forcefully gain access to the thermometer app but failed badly. After trying to access the app forcefully, the sensor failed to work and became unavailable to the device. This shows the level of restriction that Google places on this feature pending FDA approval.

The Pixel 8 Pro thermometer might be able to accurately read human temperature, but just lacks FDA approval. This sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro can’t replace an actual thermometer, but it can serve as a supplement in case there is no actual thermometer available. Users stand to benefit from its presence on the Google Pixel 8 Pro in so many ways.

But in the meantime, this sensor needs to go through FDA scrutiny before gaining approval. Once it gets its approval, Google will be able to make it available to developers whose services need access to the temperature sensor. More details on this feature will become available in the coming weeks.