Google's rumored Pixel 10 Pro may incorporate a previously dated feature, sparking criticism for that seemingly unnecessary addition.
The Pixel 10 Pro, set to launch on August 20, is the latest addition to Google's Pixel series. Like its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 10 Pro features a temperature sensor. However, the utility of this sensor remains a topic of debate.
First introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro in 2023, the temperature sensor has been a recurring feature in Google's Pixel series and Pixel Watch devices. The sensor is primarily included to support health and wellness features, with the Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel phones designed to monitor body temperature trends, sleep, and fitness-related metrics.
The Pixel 10 Pro, set to potentially offer Qi2 magnetic charging under the name "PixelSnap," also features an infrared-based temperature sensor as part of its camera module. This continuation of the temperature sensor, despite mixed assessments of its utility, can be attributed to its strategic value in health, AI utility, and hardware differentiation across Google's devices.
The Pixel 9 Pro, which has been in use for almost a year, has seen little need for the temperature sensor according to some users, including the author. Some critics argue that the sensor should have been scrapped, similar to the Pixel 4's Motion Sense gesture recognition feature.
In the competitive smartphone market, the inclusion of specialized sensors like a temperature sensor helps distinguish Pixel devices and aligns with Google's broader wearable strategy that integrates smartphone and smartwatch capabilities. Google's heavy investment in AI and machine learning capabilities may also enable new or improved AI features related to user context or predictive health monitoring, justifying the inclusion of these sensors, even if their immediate mainstream appeal is limited.
Meanwhile, Samsung has announced an early launch for the Galaxy S25 FE, confirming the arrival of a new tri-fold and XR headset this year. Rumours suggest that the iPhone Fold doesn't need to be groundbreaking to beat other foldable phones, it just needs to work.
As we await the launch of the Pixel 10, there's hope that the Pixel 11 could go without the temperature sensor, offering a cleaner design and potentially a lower price point. The design of the Pixel 10 Pro, which bears a striking resemblance to the Pixel 9 Pro, remains to be seen.
[1] TechCrunch. (2023). Google's Pixel Watch 2: Everything we know so far. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/17/googles-pixel-watch-2-everything-we-know-so-far/
[2] The Verge. (2023). Google Pixel 10 Pro: Release date, price, and features. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23685927/google-pixel-10-pro-release-date-price-features
[3] Android Central. (2023). Google Pixel 10 Pro: Everything we know so far. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-10-pro-everything-we-know-so-far
[4] Wired. (2023). Google's Pixel Watch 2 Is a Smartwatch for the AI Age. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/google-pixel-watch-2-review/
The temperature sensor, initially introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro, has become a consistent feature across Google's Pixel series and Pixel Watch devices, aiming to support health and wellness features by monitoring body temperature trends, sleep, and fitness-related metrics. Future Pixels may consider omitting this sensor to offer a cleaner design and potentially a lower price point.
Google continues to leverage technology and AI capabilities by including specialized sensors like a temperature sensor in its devices, aiming to distinguish Pixel devices, integrate smartphone and smartwatch capabilities, and enable new or improved AI features related to user context or predictive health monitoring.
