Android owners can now use their phone as a thermometer in latest free upgrade

[javajolt]

GOOGLE has just announced its first Android feature drop of 2024, which means a host of new abilities are coming to your handset.

The most notable of the new features is the ability to use your Android smartphone as a thermometer.


Body temperature mode in the Thermometer app on Pixel 8 ProCredit: Google

Google says users will be able measure their body temperature with the feature - which is particularly handy during flu season.

To use it, all you need to do is scan your forhead with your phone to get an "accurate" reading.

"You can also easily save your results to your Fitbit profile for an even deeper understanding of your health and wellness," says Google.

However, this feature is only available to Pixel 8 Pro owners - Google's latest smartphone to hit the shelves.

The "medical-grade" thermometer feature, alongside a string of others, began rolling out today on Pixel 8 Pro devices and will continue to do so over the next few weeks.

If you don't see these features on your smartphone immediately, be patient, they are coming.

Easier search capabilities

Searching on your Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is also getting easier with Google's Circle to Search button.

Users will be able to circle something on their screen with their finger or stylus and AI will search for it on the web.

This 'world first' button will be landing on not only Pixel 8 Pro's but Samsung's newest Galaxy S24 in a week.

The exact date the roll out begins for this feature is January 31.

Magic Compose for Google Messages

Google is continuing its efforts to give Google Message a long overdue revamp.

This month, the tech giant has 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 will also be able to use a new Photomoji feature.

"Want to react to a message with a cutout of you or your four-legged best friend? Photomoji on Google Messages allows you to transform your favorite photos into reactions with the help of on-device Google AI," the company writes.

"Simply select the photo, review the object you’d like to react with and hit send.

"Your creations will be saved in a special tab for reuse, and, as a bonus, your friends in group chats can use your sent photomoji."

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