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This useful Pixel phone sensor is one of my favorite tools - but Google may replace it soon

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Why This Matters

The removal of Google's unique Pixel thermometer feature marks a significant shift in flagship smartphone capabilities, highlighting the industry's evolving focus on notification and aesthetic features over practical health tools. For consumers, this change may mean losing a convenient health monitoring tool, while the industry may see a trend toward more visually engaging notification systems like Pixel Glow.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

Google appears to be ditching its Pixel thermometer feature.

Leaks show a "Pixel Glow" feature taking its place.

The Pixel was the only flagship phone with a thermometer.

I've been a loyal Pixel user since the beginning, but I might be tempted to switch because Google is removing one of my single favorite features from the Pixel.

Google introduced a temperature sensor and built-in thermometer app into the Pixel 8 Pro in 2023. It was a fairly unique feature, and the Pixel was the only flagship phone to have it. It would remain present over the next two years on the 9 Pro, the 9 Pro XL, the 10 Pro, and the 10 Pro XL.There hasn't been an official announcement, but if leaks hold true, it won't be coming to the Pixel 11 Pro.

Leaks have begun surfacing about an upcoming feature on Google phones called "Pixel Glow" -- LED lights on the back of the device that keep you informed of important notifications when your phone is face down (taken straight from the latest Nothing phone). According to the leaks, Pixel Glow will be taking the temperature sensor's place on the phone's iconic camera bump.

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