Google announced on Wednesday that its Pixel Watch 3's "lost pulse detection" feature has received FDA approval and will be launched in the United States by the end of March. This feature detects when a user's heart stops beating due to events such as primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. If the watch detects a missing pulse, it will proactively ask the user if they are feeling unwell. If the user does not respond, the watch will automatically call emergency services to provide potentially life-saving care.
The pulse detection function was first launched in the EU in September 2024 and is currently used in 14 countries and regions.
Google announced the feature at last year's "Made By Google" event, and the company noted that the watch not only checks the user's pulse, but also looks at other physiological and motion data to determine pulse loss events. It then ties these factors together through smart AI-driven algorithms.
Google notes that "Missing Pulse Detection may not detect every missing pulse and is not suitable for users with pre-existing heart conditions or who require heart monitoring. It cannot diagnose or treat any condition or provide follow-up care. Emergency calling depends on calling capabilities, such as whether your phone or watch has power and an adequate cellular connection."
The new feature joins other Pixel Watch safety and health features, including car collision detection, fall detection, irregular heartbeat notifications, and an EKG app.