The Google watch that can save your life: how it detects cardiac arrest and alerts the emergency services

The Google watch that can save your life: how it detects cardiac arrest and alerts the emergency services

  • 21.03.2025 20:41
  • en.as.com
  • Keywords: Cardiac Arrest, Respiratory Arrest

Google's Pixel Watch 3 detects cardiac arrest using advanced sensors and alerts emergency services, potentially saving lives with minimal false alarms.

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Estimated market influence

Google

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Developed the Pixel Watch 3 with a revolutionary feature that detects cardiac and respiratory arrests, potentially saving lives.

Pixel Watch 3

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Analyst rating: N/A

A smartwatch with a heartbeat detection system capable of alerting emergency services in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Context

Analysis and Summary: Google Pixel Watch 3 Heartbeat Detector

Key Features and Technology

  • Launch Date: September 2024
  • Revolutionary Feature: Loss of Pulse Detection system for cardiac arrest detection
  • Technology Used:
    • Photoplethysmography (PPG): Measures blood volume changes using LED lights.
    • Accelerometer: Detects physical activity and movement.
    • Machine Learning Algorithm: Analyzes heart rate patterns to detect anomalies.
  • Collaboration: Developed with cardiac electrophysiology specialists and patients with implanted defibrillators for accuracy.

Functionality and Benefits

  • Detection Capabilities: Identifies transition from pulsatile state (normal heartbeat) to non-pulsatile state (cardiac arrest).
  • Emergency Response: Automatically alerts emergency services and nearby contacts, reducing response time.
  • False Alarm Prevention: Multiple checks include PPG data analysis, machine learning validation, and photodiode measurements to avoid false positives.

Market Impact and Business Insights

  • Competitive Advantage: Positions Google as a leader in health-focused smartwatches, differentiating from competitors like Apple and Samsung.
  • Consumer Appeal: Targets health-conscious consumers and individuals with heart conditions, increasing adoption rates.
  • Regulatory Considerations: Potential influence on future wearable device regulations due to life-saving capabilities.

Strategic Implications

  • Partnerships: Likely collaborations with healthcare providers and emergency services for optimized response systems.
  • Battery Efficiency: Minimal impact on battery life ensures user convenience without compromising functionality.

Long-Term Effects

  • Industry Trend: Sets a new standard for wearable technology in healthcare, driving innovation in the sector.
  • Public Health Impact: Could significantly reduce mortality rates from sudden cardiac arrests by enabling faster emergency responses.

This feature underscores Google’s commitment to integrating advanced health monitoring into its products, potentially transforming smartwatches into critical medical tools.