Google had a packed event on Tuesday showcasing the new Pixel lineup and more AI features coming with Google Gemini. However, one of the most interesting features the company unveiled on the new Pixel Watch 3 is loss of heart rate detection.
Loss of pulse occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. With this in mind, the new Pixel Watch 3 features loss of pulse detection so that people can get emergency care in such situations, even if they are alone and unable to make a call themselves.
According to Google, loss of pulse often occurs when a person is alone and has little chance of getting help. This optional feature, available on the Pixel Watch 3, detects when a user’s pulse stops and automatically calls emergency services if the user is unresponsive to request potentially life-saving help.
How pulse loss detection works on the Pixel Watch 3
According to Google, loss of heart rate detection combines signals from the Pixel Watch 3’s sensors, AI and signal processing algorithms to detect loss of heart rate events and features a “thoughtful design to limit false alarms.”
When the feature detects signs of pulselessness, infrared and red lights are activated to look for further signs of a pulse, while the motion sensor looks for movement. An AI-based algorithm combines the pulse and motion signals to confirm a loss of pulse. If so, it triggers a check-in to see if you respond.
If you do not respond and no movement is detected, the alert escalates to an audible alarm and a countdown. If you do not respond to the countdown, the LTE watch or the smartphone your watch is connected to will automatically call emergency services. An automatic message will then be sent stating that no pulse was detected and your location.
Packing
This feature will be available for Pixel Watch 3 this September in several European countries, including the UK, France, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Google says it continues to work with “regulators to make the feature available in more countries,” so US customers will have to wait a little longer.
It’s unclear if Apple is working on a similar feature for Apple Watch Series 10 users. Currently, Apple only offers a low heart rate notification, which is the closest thing to this feature.
