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Google just repurposed the temperature-sensor on its Pro-series Pixel phones. Here’s what it does now

Fast Company Tech Sam Byford August 12, 2026
Google just repurposed the temperature-sensor on its Pro-series Pixel phones. Here’s what it does now
AI Summary— plain English for professionals

# Google Ditches Unused Phone Sensor for a Flashier Feature Google is removing the temperature sensor from its premium Pixel phones—a feature that never really worked as intended and nobody seemed to use—and replacing it with a colorful LED light that flashes when you get notifications or interact with Google's AI assistant. The temperature sensor was originally added years ago, possibly in hopes it could check for fevers during the pandemic, but it turned out to be more of a gimmick than a useful tool. The new LED light is essentially a more practical way to use that same spot on your phone.

For the past few years, Google has included an unusual feature on its most expensive Pro-series Pixel phones: a sensor that could detect the temperature of nearby surfaces. Widely assumed to have been a holdover from the pandemic days when we were regularly checking ourselves for signs of fever,

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