Google has introduced Breathing Emergency Detection for its Pixel Watch 5, extending the company’s use of wearable sensor data and on-device AI to identify potentially serious health events. The feature will also be available on Pixel Watch 4.
Breathing Emergency Detection uses data from sensors including a photoplethysmography sensor, accelerometer and barometer. Google’s algorithm monitors for a persistent decline in oxygen saturation and, when triggered, can contact emergency services and share the wearer’s location.
“Using a combination of data from the advanced sensors, including a PPG, accelerometer, and barometer, we've designed an AI-based algorithm running on device to detect a persistent drop in oxygen saturation and then call Emergency Services for you and even share your location,” said Francis Hoe, a product manager on Google’s Pixel Watch team.
The feature may detect breathing emergencies associated with events including drug toxicity, accidents, severe pneumonia and choking. It has not received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance and will initially launch only in selected European Union markets. Google said it is working with regulators to broaden availability and emphasized that the technology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions or for people with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Google is also adding blood pressure and insulin resistance trends to the Google Health app later this fall. These capabilities will support Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5, using sensor signals and historical health data to identify patterns associated with elevated risk.
The capabilities will sit within Google’s new Health Guardian category alongside irregular rhythm notifications, high and low heart rate alerts, Loss of Pulse and Sleep Breathing Quality. Monthly reports based on passive monitoring can provide users with information to discuss with Google’s AI-powered Health Coach or their physician.
Clinical organizations remain cautious about wearable-derived measurements. Arm cuffs remain the established standard for blood pressure diagnosis and medication management, while consumer wearables are not currently recommended for monitoring insulin resistance. However, experts acknowledge that wearable-generated information may support care when data is clinically meaningful and appropriately interpreted.
Click here for the original news story.
