There have been numerous stories of the Apple Watch saving lives, thanks to its advanced health features. Until now, no Android smartwatch offered anything comparable. But that’s changed with Google’s announcement of the Pixel Watch 3, which introduces a game-changing upgrade: the loss of pulse feature, a potentially life-saving innovation. This marks a significant step for Android smartwatches, bringing them closer to the life-saving capabilities previously unique to the Apple Watch.
What is Loss of Pulse?
Loss of pulse, also known as cardiac arrest, occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It’s a medical emergency where every minute matters, as the chances of survival decrease rapidly without immediate intervention. This condition can strike anyone, regardless of age, and can result from various causes such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, overdose, or poisoning. In these critical moments, quick access to emergency care is vital, but the reality is that many of these incidents happen when a person is alone. Without someone to recognize the emergency and call for help, the odds of survival are drastically reduced.
This is where Google’s Pixel Watch 3 steps in with its innovative Loss of Pulse Detection feature. This opt-in feature is designed to detect a loss of pulse and automatically contact emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
How the Loss of Pulse detection feature works
The Loss of Pulse Detection works by continuously monitoring the user’s heart rate through the Pixel Watch 3’s advanced sensors. If the sensors detect signs of pulselessness, additional checks are performed using infrared and red lights, while the motion sensor assesses whether the user is moving. An AI-powered algorithm processes these signals to confirm whether a loss of pulse event is occurring. If the algorithm determines that the user’s pulse has stopped and there is no response to the watch’s prompts, it escalates the situation by sounding an audio alarm and initiating a countdown. If there is still no response, the watch will automatically place a call to emergency services, providing them with the user’s location and notifying them that no pulse has been detected.
Developing such a feature was no small feat. Google worked closely with cardiologists and emergency medical professionals to refine the technology. The AI algorithm was trained using data collected in clinical settings, providing unique insights into how a loss of pulse manifests. Testing involved not just simulations but real-life scenarios with stunt actors, ensuring the feature’s effectiveness in real-world situations.
Loss of Pulse Detection will be available on the Pixel Watch 3 starting in September, initially rolling out in several European countries, including the UK, France, and Sweden, with plans to expand further. This feature, along with others like Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection, and Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, reinforces Google’s commitment to making the Pixel Watch 3 not just a device for convenience, but a true guardian of health and safety.
