Google’s Pixel Watch 3 Introduces FDA-Approved Life-Saving Function: Loss of Pulse Detection
In a groundbreaking leap for wearable health devices, Google has officially launched its latest Loss of Pulse Detection capability for the Pixel Watch 3 within the United States. This potentially life-saving feature, which gained FDA approval in February 2025, is now accessible to users as part of the company’s April software upgrade.
What Is Loss of Pulse Detection?
Loss of Pulse Detection serves as a protective feature intended to track the user’s heart rate and identify the absence of a pulse. If the watch does not sense a pulse and the wearer is unresponsive, it can automatically place a call to emergency services. This feature is particularly vital in critical situations like cardiac arrest, where prompt medical attention can be the key to survival.
The functionality enhances Google’s existing Emergency SOS services, providing an extra layer of safety for individuals who may face unexpected health crises.
FDA Approval and U.S. Rollout
While the feature was made available in several other regions in 2024, its U.S. launch was postponed due to the need for regulatory clearance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved it in February 2025, confirming the feature’s effectiveness and safety for use during medical emergencies.
Upon receiving approval, Google introduced the feature as part of its March Pixel Feature Drop. Although the initial rollout was anticipated by the end of March, deployment began on April 8, 2025. The distribution is progressive and will take a few weeks to reach all Pixel Watch 3 users in the U.S.
How It Works
Loss of Pulse Detection is an opt-in feature, meaning that users need to enable it manually. To activate the feature:
1. Launch the Google Pixel Watch app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Safety and Emergency.
3. Select Loss of Pulse Detection.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the setup.
Once activated, the watch will continuously monitor your heart rate. Should it notice a loss of pulse and you fail to respond to alerts, it will automatically reach out to emergency services, relaying your location and other essential information.
Global Availability
Prior to its U.S. introduction, Loss of Pulse Detection was already accessible in 14 countries, mainly within the European Union. It was initially rolled out alongside the Pixel Watch 3 in 2024, representing a significant advancement in wearable health monitoring.
Why This Matters
The launch of Loss of Pulse Detection highlights the increasing significance of smartwatches in personal health and safety. As wearable technology evolves, features like this can offer reassurance to users and their families, particularly those with existing health concerns.
By merging advanced biometric tracking with emergency response functionalities, Google is positioning the Pixel Watch 3 not merely as a fitness monitor, but as an essential instrument for personal healthcare management.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of Loss of Pulse Detection aligns with Google’s wider April 2025 update for Pixel Watch models, which encompasses diverse performance enhancements and new functionalities. As technology progresses, we can anticipate even more comprehensive health and safety features to become integrated into wearable devices.
For the moment, Pixel Watch 3 users in the U.S. can eagerly await the arrival of this crucial feature in the upcoming weeks, providing improved protection and possibly life-saving assistance at the touch of a button.
Image Credits: Google / Android Central
Topics: Google Pixel Watch 3, Wearable Health Tech, FDA Approval, Emergency SOS, Smartwatch Safety Features
