Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Our recent exploration highlighted five capabilities of mobile sensors: using a phone as a tape measure, a metal detector, a spirit level, a sound meter, and a thermometer. Notably, the thermometer is exclusive to Pixel devices and is being phased out with the Pixel 11, prompting us to exclude it from our poll regarding the functionalities users would utilize.
We received an impressive number of responses in our poll, revealing a clear preference among participants. Let’s delve into the highlights of the findings.
The most popular choice, with 53% and nearly 3,000 votes, was using the phone as a tape measure. It significantly outpaced the metal detector option, which captured 27% of the votes. The spirit level and sound/light meter shared the remaining votes, leading us to wonder if an ‘all of the above’ option would have been more fitting, as each feature serves its purpose at different times.
With the voting patterns established, it’s easy to see why preferences leaned that way. Many individuals rarely find themselves needing a tape measure but often regret its absence when they do. Personally searching for a new apartment, I often contemplate how much furniture I can transport.
The metal detector’s second-place ranking could be attributed to the excitement and intrigue of discovery, despite its limitations when compared to a dedicated tool. As discussed in our article, it’s not the most reliable substitute for a genuine metal detector, particularly for treasure hunting in remote locations. Additionally, those who frequently utilize a spirit level or a sound/light meter likely own the proper tools already.
In the comments, reader Justin Wilhelm mentioned that he often uses his Pixel as a thermometer, confirming our expectations. A previous poll indicated that many users were utilizing the Pixel thermometer for varied tasks, such as monitoring body temperatures or ensuring food is at the right temperature. While this aligns closely with the tricorder analogy, I doubt Google has plans to introduce teleportation or phaser technology any time soon.
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