Android owners can now use their phone as a thermometer in the latest free upgrade
GOOGLE just announced the first Android feature drop of 2024, which means a host of new capabilities are coming to your device.
The most notable of the new features is the ability to use your Android smartphone as a thermometer.
Google says this feature will allow users to measure their body temperature, which is especially useful during flu season.
To use it, all you have to do is scan your forehead with your phone to get an “accurate” reading.
“You can also easily save your results to your Fitbit profile for even deeper insights into your health and well-being,” Google says.
However, this feature is only available to owners of a Pixel 8 Pro: Google's latest smartphone to hit the shelves.
The “medical grade” thermometer feature, among a range of others, is rolling out to Pixel 8 Pro devices today and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
If you don't see these features on your smartphone right away, be patient, they are coming.
Easier search options
Searching on your Pixel 8 and 8 Pro also becomes easier with Google's Circle to Search button.
Users can circle something on their screen with their finger or stylus and AI will search for it on the web.
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This 'world first' button will appear not only on the Pixel 8 Pro in a week, but also on Samsung's latest Galaxy S24.
The exact date this feature will begin rolling out is January 31.
Magic Compose for Google Messages
Google is continuing its efforts to give Google Message a long-awaited overhaul.
This month, the tech giant injected its native messaging app with generative AI technology that can rewrite a drafted message in different styles.
This feature will be available on the Pixel 6 and newer smartphones.
Google Messages users can also use a new Photomoji feature.
“Want to respond to a message with a crop of you or your four-legged friend? With Photomoji on Google Messages, you can turn your favorite photos into comments using on-device Google AI,” the company writes.
“Simply select the photo, view the object you want to comment with and press send.
“Your creations are saved to a special tab for reuse, and as a bonus, your friends in group chats can use your sent photo Moji.”