Google has received FDA clearance for its latest safety feature for the Pixel Watch 3, Loss of Pulse Detection. This feature identifies when your pulse is lost and can automatically call emergency services if you're unresponsive. It's a first-of-its-kind feature not available on other smartwatches.
Google announced the Loss of Pulse Detection feature in 2024 for select EU countries. It's since been available in 14 countries. Now that Google has received the green light from the FDA, it can be released in the US. This opt-in feature is expected to start rolling at the end of March.
The watch uses an AI-based algorithm and signals from the existing multipath heart rate sensor -- the flashing green light on the back of the watch-- to monitor your pulse. If it suspects your pulse was lost, additional sensor signals will be activated to search for the pulse or identify movement.
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When nothing is detected, the watch prompts you with an initial check-in. If you don't respond to the message on the watch and no motion is detected, a loud alarm will play, and a countdown will appear on the screen. Then, an emergency services call is placed on your LTE smartwatch or phone. An automated message about the loss of pulse and your location will be shared with emergency operators.
While the Loss of Pulse Detection feature wasn't made for a specific health condition, this is another feature added to the Pixel 3's impressive catalog of safety and health features, such as fall detection and irregular heart rhythm notifications. As a Google Pixel user, I'm happy to see another feature in the medical safety space, especially for one in which immediate intervention is necessary.
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