In a significant development revealed at Google’s latest Made by Google event, the Pixel Watch 3 has introduced an innovative feature called Loss of Pulse Detection, which stands to set a new benchmark for smartwatch health and safety functionalities. This advancement highlights a critical area where the Apple Watch could greatly benefit from an upgrade.
The Pixel Watch 3, which was showcased alongside its new 45mm size option, enhanced brightness of 2,000 nits, and new Fitbit-powered fitness and wellness features, now includes the Loss of Pulse Detection feature. According to Google’s press release, this opt-in feature is designed to detect when a user’s pulse ceases and automatically contact emergency services if the user is unresponsive. This capability could prove crucial in emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning, offering potentially life-saving intervention.
While the Apple Watch has long been at the forefront of health and safety features with functionalities like Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection, and heart rate monitoring, it currently lacks a direct equivalent to the Pixel Watch 3’s Loss of Pulse Detection. Given Apple’s history of pioneering health-related features, there is a compelling case for the company to adopt and integrate this new functionality in its next-generation Apple Watch.
Just as Google has previously incorporated features from Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite into the Pixel 9, it is now time for Apple to consider integrating the Loss of Pulse Detection feature into its lineup. Such health and safety technologies should be standard across all devices, ensuring that users benefit from the broadest possible range of protective measures.
The incorporation of this feature into the Apple Watch would not only enhance its existing health monitoring capabilities but also demonstrate a commitment to advancing user safety across the board. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the goal should be to make life-saving innovations available to all, rather than keeping them as exclusive features of individual brands.
For now, users of the Pixel Watch 3 can enjoy added peace of mind with this new feature, and it is hoped that Apple will quickly adopt similar advancements in its forthcoming models.
