# **Pixel Watch 3’s Life-Saving Function Receives FDA Endorsement in the U.S.**
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is on track to gain a vital health functionality in the United States following several months of regulatory review. The **Loss of Pulse Detection** feature, previously launched in 14 European nations, has now been authorized by the **U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** and is anticipated to debut in the country by **late March 2025**.
## **What Is Loss of Pulse Detection?**
Loss of Pulse Detection is an innovative health monitoring capability aimed at identifying **primary cardiac arrest** or **respiratory and circulatory failure**. Upon sensing that the wearer has lost their pulse, the Pixel Watch 3 initiates several emergency protocols:
– The watch vibrates and presents a **check-in message** to elicit a response from the user.
– If the individual does not respond, the watch activates an **alarm** to notify nearby individuals.
– Should there be no response after that, the watch **automatically contacts 911** and sends an **emergency message with the user’s location** to first responders.
This feature could prove **life-saving** in instances of abrupt cardiac arrest, where prompt medical intervention is essential.
## **Regulatory Challenges in the U.S.**
Even though the feature was unveiled with the **Pixel Watch 3’s launch in September 2023**, it was not immediately accessible in the U.S. due to regulatory stipulations. Google needed to obtain **FDA authorization** to confirm that the feature complied with medical device standards prior to activation for American users.
In comparison, the feature was **rapidly approved in 14 European nations**, including **Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom**. Google has indicated that it will persist in its efforts to make the feature available in **more countries** as it secures regulatory approvals.
## **How Does This Compare to Other Smartwatches?**
The Pixel Watch 3 ranks among the most **sophisticated Android smartwatches** concerning health tracking. Besides Loss of Pulse Detection, it offers:
– **ECG (Electrocardiogram) Monitoring** – Detects symptoms of **atrial fibrillation (AFib)**.
– **Irregular Heart Rhythm Alerts** – Notifies users if their heart rate exhibits abnormal patterns.
– **Fall Detection** – Calls emergency services if the wearer endures a **serious fall** and fails to respond.
– **Car Crash Detection** – Similar to Google Pixel smartphones, the watch can identify **severe car crashes** and request assistance.
While **Apple Watches** have long provided **fall detection and ECG monitoring**, Google’s **Loss of Pulse Detection** is a distinctive feature that might distinguish the Pixel Watch in the wearables landscape.
## **When Will It Be Available in the U.S.?**
Google has assured that **Loss of Pulse Detection** will begin to roll out in the **United States by the end of March 2025**. However, this feature will **only be accessible on the Pixel Watch 3** and will **not** be introduced to earlier Pixel Watch iterations.
## **Final Thoughts**
The **Pixel Watch 3** continues to redefine the limits of **wearable health technology**, with the launch of **Loss of Pulse Detection** in the U.S. marking a significant advancement. Although it took longer to receive regulatory approval compared to Europe, the feature’s introduction could provide a **life-saving advantage** for individuals at risk of sudden cardiac incidents.
As Google gears up for the release of the **Pixel Watch 4**, it will be intriguing to observe what **new health advancements** the company unveils next.
