Pixel Watch 3 to get ‘Loss of Pulse Detection’ feature in March

Google has received the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the Pixel Watch 3’s “Loss of Pulse Detection” feature, paving the way for its potential launch in the US by the end of March.

The Pixel Watch 3's new feature joins a suite of existing safety and health features, including Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, and the ECG app.

Originally introduced in the European Union (EU) in September 2024, the feature is currently available in 14 countries.

Loss of Pulse Detection feature in Pixel Watch

The "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature is designed to detect when a user's heart stops beating due to a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or overdose.

If the watch detects a loss of pulse, it will prompt the user to confirm their well-being. If the user is unresponsive, the watch will automatically call emergency services, potentially saving lives.

Notably, Google utilises a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven algorithm that combines pulse data with other physiological and motion data to determine when a user's life might be at risk.

It is important to note that the Loss of Pulse Detection feature is not foolproof and may not detect every instance of a loss of pulse.

Moreover, it is not intended for users with pre-existing heart conditions or those who require cardiac monitoring.

According to Google, the feature is also dependent on adequate cellular connectivity and a charged device.