Google Pixel Watch 3 just got FDA approval for pulse detection feature — here's when it's coming

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Expect your Pixel Watch to pick up a new feature soon

Google Pixel Watch 3
(Image credit: Future)

The Google Pixel Watch 3 hit the market last year, but a significant feature was missing from the watch in the U.S.: loss of pulse detection. The feature needed to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration to be available in the United States, but Google says that OK has finally come.

As noted on Google's blog today (February 26), the "feature is available in 14 countries and we’ll begin rolling it out in the U.S. at the end of March." While the company didn't offer an exact date, it's good to know the potentially life-saving feature will arrive within the next month or so.

"This first-of-its-kind feature can detect when you’ve experienced a loss of pulse (your heart stops beating from an event like primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning) and automatically prompt a call to emergency services for potentially life-saving care if you’re unresponsive," said Google in its blog post on the feature.

#MadebyGoogle ‘24: Loss of Pulse Detection on Google Pixel Watch 3 - YouTube #MadebyGoogle ‘24: Loss of Pulse Detection on Google Pixel Watch 3 - YouTube
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The fine print is important to note: "Loss of Pulse Detection may not detect every instance of a loss of pulse and is not intended for users with preexisting heart conditions or those who require cardiac monitoring," according to Google. This means that while the feature can potentially save your life, it's also not a replacement for medical devices that monitor your heart.

This is one of many features designed to protect users offered by Pixel Watch 3 (and several of the other best smartwatches on the market). Some examples available on Google's wearable include Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications and others.

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Dave LeClair
Dave LeClair
Senior News Editor

Dave LeClair is the Senior News Editor for Tom's Guide, keeping his finger on the pulse of all things technology. He loves taking the complicated happenings in the tech world and explaining why they matter. Whether Apple is announcing the next big thing in the mobile space or a small startup advancing generative AI, Dave will apply his experience to help you figure out what's happening and why it's relevant to your life.

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