In recent years, Google‘s Pixel hardware has introduced innovative features, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is no exception. This smartphone comes equipped with a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of objects within a five-centimeter range by simply “scanning” them. Google touts its usefulness for various applications, including beverages, cooking pans, water temperature, and more.

However, users in the smartphone community are turning this sensor into something unexpected. Rather than dismissing it as a gimmick, average Pixel 8 Pro owners are finding ingenious ways to put it to good use. A Reddit post recently shed light on some of these inventive applications.

For instance, one Pixel 8 Pro user found themselves in a sticky situation during a power outage that lasted 36 hours, leaving them uncertain about the condition of the food stored in their unpowered refrigerator. The user turned to the phone’s temperature sensor and discovered that it could easily identify food items nearing their melting point. This information allowed them to make informed decisions about what to keep and what to discard.

In the comments section, another user mentioned that the Pixel 8 Pro’s sensor readings were “within a degree” of accuracy when compared to an infrared thermometer when measuring a pan’s heat or assessing the temperature inside a refrigerator.

In another instance, a Pixel 8 Pro owner confirmed the temperature of their HVAC system’s boiler, and it turned out to be spot on. These unconventional uses are not limited to home situations. One user shared how they utilized the sensor to check the sidewalk’s temperature before taking their pet for a walk, ensuring their furry friend’s paws wouldn’t be uncomfortably hot.

The official Thermometer app designed for the Pixel 8 Pro states that the sensor can measure temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it cautions that accuracy may vary based on the object’s size and the proximity of the temperature readings to the sensor’s upper and lower limits.

Before obtaining temperature values, the app offers a choice of 10 categories, including food and organic, beverages and water, cast-iron, glass, matte metal, shiny metal, and fabric. The distinction between shiny and matte surfaces is crucial, as they radiate heat differently, and the sensor readings must be adjusted accordingly.

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