Google has announced that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Pixel Watch 3's "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature, a groundbreaking technology that can detect when a user's heart stops beating due to a cardiac emergency. The feature is set to launch in the US at the end of March.

The "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature uses a combination of physiological and motion data, analyzed by a smart AI-driven algorithm, to identify potential cardiac emergencies such as primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. If the watch detects a loss of pulse, it will prompt the user to respond. If the user is unresponsive, the watch will automatically call emergency services, potentially saving lives.

This feature is not intended for users with preexisting heart conditions or those who require cardiac monitoring. Google notes that "Loss of Pulse Detection may not detect every instance of a loss of pulse and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or provide follow-up care." Additionally, emergency calling is dependent on the watch being charged and having adequate cellular connectivity.

The "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature has already been available in 14 countries in the European Union since September 2024. Its launch in the US marks a significant expansion of this life-saving technology.

The Pixel Watch 3's "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature joins a suite of safety and health features, including Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, and the ECG app. These features demonstrate Google's commitment to leveraging technology to improve users' health and wellbeing.

The FDA clearance of the "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature is a significant milestone for Google and the wearables industry as a whole. It highlights the potential of wearable devices to play a critical role in detecting and responding to medical emergencies. As the wearables market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to Google's innovation.

In conclusion, the launch of the "Loss of Pulse Detection" feature on the Pixel Watch 3 marks a significant step forward in the development of wearable technology with the potential to save lives. With its FDA clearance and upcoming launch in the US, this feature is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of Americans.