Pixel 8 Can Apparently Detect When a Screen Protector is Installed or Removed

Pixels are inarguably one of the more mediocre devices when it comes to the hardware, but equally as good when it comes to software. The Pixel 8 series released in 2023 brought forth a number of exclusive software features, one of them being the ability to detect whenever you have a screen protector installed.

Pixel 8 Displays a Notification to Enable the “Screen protector mode” When it Detects a Protector Installed

The Pixel 8 series can apparently detect when you put on a screen protector. It notifies you to enable the “screen protector mode,” which improves touch input and sensitivity, making the phone feel a tad bit snappier. In hindsight, this feature is not new; it has been around for a while. However, since most people were unaware of it, Google added the detection feature in the Pixel 8 series.

Now, whenever you put on or remove a screen protector, the phone will display a warning in the notification panel to enable or disable the screen protector mode. You can choose to ignore this notification, but it also allows you to go directly to the Settings app, where the option is found.

Does this Solve the Fingerprint Problem on Pixel 6 and 7?

On the older Pixels, a lot of people reported touch sensing issues, like the inaccuracy of the fingerprint sensor once a protector is installed. The Pixel 6 and 7 were affected the most with hundreds of complaints by users on various forums. Google explicitly says that “If your fingerprint won’t scan, it might be because of your screen protector,” so this feature may come in handy if you’re not already using a “Made for Google” certified protector.

Interestingly, Google decided not to enable this feature for the Pixel 6 and 7 series of phones. This means that your phone will only detect your screen protector if you have a Pixel 8 or 8 Pro.

At this point, it isn’t entirely clear how Google senses the installation of a screen protector and differentiate it from say, having a flat object placed on top of your phone as such. Either way, the feature itself is pretty interesting and useful, especially considering how many people use a screen protector on their devices.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Mishaal Rahman