This weird Pixel feature is one of my favorite tools - too bad Google may remove it soon
Pixel 8 Pro's thermometer gone? Leaks hint at flashy LED replacement.
Google introduced a temperature sensor and thermometer app on the Pixel 8 Pro in 2023, a feature that remained exclusive to the Pixel line through the 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL. However, leaks now indicate that the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro will ditch the thermometer in favor of "Pixel Glow"—a set of LED lights on the rear camera bump that pulse with notification colors when the phone is face down. This design is directly lifted from Nothing phones.
The author, a longtime Pixel fan and parent, found the thermometer invaluable for checking children's fevers (within 0.3°F of an in-ear thermometer), testing road heat for dog walks, and diagnosing HVAC issues. He calls Pixel Glow "gimmicky," noting that always-on displays already handle notifications without requiring flipping the phone over. Google has not commented, but the leak suggests the thermometer's days are numbered.
- Pixel thermometer introduced on Pixel 8 Pro (2023) and continued through 10 Pro series; leaks say Pixel 11 Pro will remove it.
- Replacement "Pixel Glow" adds rear LED lights for notifications when phone is face down—similar to Nothing phone design.
- Author used thermometer for fever checks (0.3°F accuracy), road temperature, and HVAC diagnosis; considers LEDs less useful.
Why It Matters
Losing a unique, practical sensor for a cosmetic LED gimmick may disappoint loyal Pixel users who valued the thermometer.