After the compass, the GPS and the altimeter, a new sensor, cut out for the coronavirus pandemic, arrives in phones: the thermometer.
We will be able to check his temperature or that of his relatives with his mobile.
This is the new trendy little function of smartphones, in the age of the coronavirus.
Several devices have just been launched in quick succession.
Until now, they have been reserved for Asia, especially China and Japan.
But a first model will be available in Europe.
It will be presented on Thursday by Huawei that should gradually become widespread.
The particularity of these smartphones?
They allow you to take the temperature.
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This is possible thanks to what is called an infrared thermometer.
It works remotely like those used at the entrance to certain buildings.
It's very simple: the sensor is on the back, next to the camera.
Just launch the application, point the person's forehead and it will give the temperature to the surface.
It works with people but also a dog or a cat and with any object.
As reliable as a real thermometer?
In principle, this functionality is as reliable as a conventional thermometer.
Precision to the nearest tenth of a degree is announced, for measurements between -20 and +100 degrees.
Be careful, however, we are talking about a surface temperature.
And all the doctors say it: the internal temperature is the most important.
And then, we remind you: fever can be a sign of the coronavirus but it can also be something else.
You can even be infected and have no fever.
If you have a thermometer on your phone, it won't just be used to take your temperature or that of those you meet.
It can, quite simply, prevent burns from a cup or check the temperature of the baby's bottle or bath.
A little more blade in the Swiss army knife that the mobile phone has become.