The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were conspicuously absent from Google I/O earlier this month We didn't expect a full-blown announcement, but we did hope that Google would give us a preview of its next flagship model, as it did with the Pixel 7 series last year However, that didn't happen, so this leaked video of the Pixel 8 Pro takes its place

The video comes courtesy of 91mobiles and appears to be a tutorial on the new temperature sensor on the back of the Pixel 8 Pro That's right, the Pixel 8 Pro apparently has a built-in thermometer, allowing users to take their body temperature with their phone Unique, to say the least

While I can sort of see the appeal of being able to measure body temperature, I find it a rather odd feature to have on a smartphone Thermometers are not expensive, and as we learned during the pandemic, infrared thermometers can measure body temperature almost instantly

Apparently, this sensor will be able to measure the temperature of objects as well, expanding its capabilities a bit more We are skeptical of using this type of sensor for food due to concerns about its lack of accuracy, but it could prove useful in other situations when it is not worth purchasing a dedicated infrared or laser thermometer

Monitoring body temperature is a way for women to track fertility and menstrual cycles This is a feature that other gadgets like the Oura Ring and Apple Watch already offer, and this may be an indication that Google has tried to offer a similar service completely private

There are potential uses, and a few thoughtful options already come to mind Checking the temperature of the sidewalk before walking the dog, making sure the stove is properly cooled, idle curiosity, and other such occasions Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how Google justifies such a feature if it is indeed coming to the Pixel 8 Pro It's not 2020 anymore

Most importantly, this video gives us our first decent look at the Pixel 8 Pro's design It is also not particularly surprising, as it closely resembles the Pixel 7 Pro

The same goes for the metal camera rubber and the pill-shaped cutout for the camera lens The only difference is that all three lenses are included in this cutout, leaving the telephoto lens alone Similarly, the flash module has been shifted slightly upward to make room for the sheet white temperature sensor below it

It also appears that the phone may have a flat display Curved edge-style displays are some of the most ridiculous and pointless features of premium phones, at least that's my opinion At least that's what I think

Unfortunately, the video is short and doesn't show much of the Pixel 8 Pro in use Fortunately, Google is about as effective at plugging leaks as a dog armed with duct tape, so we are bound to see more of the phone in the coming weeks and months We expect sometime in the fall - be sure to keep checking the Pixel 8 hub for all the latest rumors and news between now and launch