Google Pixel Watch 3's potentially life-saving Pulse Detection feature finally gets cleared for launch in the US

Google Pixel Watch 3 side dial and button
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

  • Google's Pixel Watch 3 features a Loss of Pulse Detection feature
  • It can detect when your heart stops beating and alert emergency services
  • The feature is finally coming to the US at the end of March

Google has confirmed that its ground-breaking Loss of Pulse Detection feature, unveiled for the Pixel Watch 3 last year, is finally coming to users in the US next month.

The Pixel Watch 3 is the best smartwatch for Google users on the market right now, and one of the best Android smartwatches to boot. However, one of its most important features has been held back from US users since it launched in 2024.

Loss of Pulse Detection is an industry-first health feature that can detect when your heart stops beating, alerting emergency services and the people around you. Events like a primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or even poisoning can all trigger a loss of pulse, making the Loss of Pulse Detection feature one of the most important features ever added to a smartwatch.

"Today, Google received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for our Loss of Pulse Detection feature starting with Pixel Watch 3," the company announced yesterday (February 26).

Loss of Pulse Detection finally comes to the US

Pixel Watch 3

Loss of Pulse Detection uses the heart rate sensors fitted in the back of the Pixel Watch 3. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Loss of Pulse Detection has been available to users in the UK and Europe since the Pixel Watch 3's launch in 2024. It's the latest in a a line of safety features, including Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and an ECG app, that have been added to smartwatches in recent years.

Crucially, Google says the feature has been cleared "starting" with the Pixel Watch 3, possibly indicating that Google could roll it out to older smartwatch models in the future, or even to some of the best Fitbits. For now, it remains exclusive to the newest model.

As it stands, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the only smartwatch that offers some kind of loss of pulse detection and response. It's powered by sensors, AI, and signal-processing algorithms, using the same tech that tracks your overall heart rate monitoring and metrics.

Google says the feature will begin rolling out to Pixel Watch 3 users "at the end of March" – we'll let you know if it provides a more exact date.

You may also like

Stephen Warwick
Fitness & Wearables writer

Stephen Warwick is TechRadar's Fitness & Wearables writer with nearly a decade of experience covering technology, including five years as the News Editor of iMore. He's a keen fitness enthusiast and is never far from the local gym, Apple Watch at the ready, to record his latest workout. Stephen has experience writing about every facet of technology including products, services, hardware, and software. He's covered breaking news and developing stories regarding supply chains, patents and litigation, competition, politics and lobbying, the environment, and more. He's conducted interviews with industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. Outside of work, he's a massive tech and history buff with a passion for Rome Total War, reading, and music. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google rolls out major Pixel Watch upgrade for all users – here's what's new in Wear OS 5.1
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Google Pixel Watch 3 side dial and button
The Pixel Watch just got a secret display upgrade in Wear OS 5.1, but here’s why you probably shouldn’t use it
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google to tweak Pixel Watch emergency calls as it tries to fix a problem Apple has had for years
OnePlus Watch 3
OnePlus Watch 3 owners in the US are missing out on vital health and fitness features
OnePlus Watch 3
OnePlus seeks FDA approval for Sleep Apnea Detection on its watch and takes on Apple in the process
Latest in Smartwatches
Apple Watch app health
Apple Watch blood pressure monitoring tech revealed in patent
Garmin Instinct 3
A new Garmin study hints at the link between burning calories and happiness, and I've got good and bad news
A Starfew Valley theme on Wear OS
Someone made a Stardew Valley theme for Wear OS and it's perfect
Pebble smartwatch countdown
Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away
Apple Watch Ultra 2 settings
I've been using an Apple Watch for 10 years – here are three common mistakes even I've made
Huawei Watch Fit 3
The Huawei Watch 3 is a decent Apple Watch alternative, and its successor could be close at hand
Latest in News
A man holds a smartphone iPhone screen showing various social media apps including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Instagram and X
A worrying Apple Password App vulnerability reportedlyleft users exposed for months
Google Pixel 9a
Google is delaying the Pixel 9a to fix a mystery “component quality issue”
ExpressVPN mobile app and Aircove
ExpressVPN ‘reduces workforce’ for the second time in two years
The Nanoleaf PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip being used on a desktop computer.
Mac gaming could get an intriguing boost – but not in the way you'd expect
Snapdragon G Series
Qualcomm poised to muscle in on AMD's territory with powerful gaming handheld processors
David running in the desert in House of David.
Prime Video’s hit new historical drama will continue its reign for another season as House of David gets renewed