Loss of Pulse Detection Feature on the Pixel Watch 3 Is Coming to the US
Google has received FDA clearance for its latest safety feature for the Pixel Watch 3, Loss of Pulse Detection. This feature identifies when your pulse is lost and can automatically call emergency services if you're unresponsive. It's a first-of-its-kind feature not available on other smartwatches.
Google announced the Loss of Pulse Detection feature in 2024 for select EU countries. It's since been available in 14 countries. Now that Google has received the green light from the FDA, it can be released in the US. This opt-in feature is expected to start rolling at the end of March.
The watch uses an AI-based algorithm and signals from the existing multipath heart rate sensor -- the flashing green light on the back of the watch-- to monitor your pulse. If it suspects your pulse was lost, additional sensor signals will be activated to search for the pulse or identify movement.
When nothing is detected, the watch prompts you with an initial check-in. If you don't respond to the message on the watch and no motion is detected, a loud alarm will play, and a countdown will appear on the screen. Then, an emergency services call is placed on your LTE smartwatch or phone. An automated message about the loss of pulse and your location will be shared with emergency operators.
While the Loss of Pulse Detection feature wasn't made for a specific health condition, this is another feature added to the Pixel 3's impressive catalog of safety and health features, such as fall detection and irregular heart rhythm notifications. As a Google Pixel user, I'm happy to see another feature in the medical safety space, especially for one in which immediate intervention is necessary.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
2 hours ago
- CNET
Apple's MagSafe Charging Explained: Qi2, Faster Charging and Android Compatibility
Apple's MagSafe for phones has evolved quite a bit since its debut on the 2020 iPhone 12 line, bringing magnetic wireless charging from the iPhone to the AirPods. Since Apple's MagSafe is compatible with the Qi2 wireless charging standard and has proven popular, we're starting to see Samsung, Google and OnePlus provide support for similar magnetic accessories. Even better, these wireless charging accessories are cheaper now than when MagSafe debuted, with companies such as Anker and Belkin making Qi2 magnetic charging pads and stands that support 15-watt speeds without Apple's certification and approval. But if you get a new iPhone 16 and use it with one of Apple's MagSafe chargers and a 30-watt power adapter, you can get even faster 25-watt charging speeds. Read more: iPhone 16: What We Know About the Release Date, Leaks and More But it's not just about charging. Apple's MagSafe for iPhone allows for all sorts of magnetic cases, wallets, stands, grips and other accessories that can be quickly attached to the back of an iPhone using built-in magnets. This has led to an assortment of accessories -- some officially licensed by Apple and others that are simply magnetic -- that take advantage of the feature to provide plenty of customizable options. So, as MagSafe grows, and hopefully starts coming to non-iPhone devices as the Qi2 standard, let's decipher what Apple's MagSafe for iPhone exactly is and how to tell the difference between that, nonmagnetic Qi2 chargers and accessories that simply magnetically attach to your phone. David Carnoy/CNET Watch this: iPhone Features You Need to Try On Your Next Trip 07:29 What is MagSafe for iPhone? Apple's MagSafe for iPhone standard refers to both a series of magnets that have been installed in most new iPhone models since 2020 -- outside of the iPhone SE and iPhone 16E -- and a wireless charging standard that can recharge an iPhone faster than the original Qi standard. Apple's MagSafe allows for accessories that can be attached to an iPhone using magnets. These include MagSafe phone cases, wallets, mounts, grips, chargers, stands and many other options. Before the launch of the Qi2 standard, Apple's MagSafe wireless charger was also the only way to get faster 15-watt wireless charging to work on an iPhone, with Apple citing that the magnets allowed a secure fit to help hit those speeds. Now, Qi2 chargers provide the same 15-watt speeds for earlier iPhone models, while the iPhone 16 series can hit 25 watts over Apple's MagSafe chargers when used with a 30-watt adapter. When using a standard Qi charger, the iPhone caps the rate at half that speed, offering 7.5-watt wireless charging. The Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Qi2 charger David Carnoy/CNET What is Qi2 charging, and how is it different from MagSafe? Qi2 is an open standard and iterates on top of the prior Qi wireless charging standard while incorporating elements of Apple's MagSafe standard. This includes both magnetic compatibility and a 15-watt wireless charging speed, meaning that any phone that supports Qi2 could potentially support magnetic accessories along with faster wireless charging. As of right now, however, the only Android phone that natively supports Qi2 is the HMD Skyline, but there are already several companies making Qi2 accessories that work across both the Skyline and Apple's iPhone. For its new Galaxy S25 phones, Samsung is now selling first-party cases that are "Qi2 Ready" -- meaning that the cases include the magnets needed to support magnetic accessories. OnePlus is selling a similar magnetic case for its OnePlus 13, and Google's so far announced that it will provide support for the Qi2 standard by contributing toward its development. While Google isn't making magnetic cases for the Pixel 9 line, the company is selling such cases made by other accessory makers on its website. Apple has also updated all of its MagSafe-compatible iPhones to support Qi2, meaning that if you buy a Qi2 wireless charger, it should support faster 15-watt wireless charging. Plus, Qi2 phones that include magnets should support the plethora of magnetic accessories that were first released with MagSafe in mind, likely bringing compatibility to docks, mounts, grips and wallet accessories. Some of these Qi2 accessories are also slightly cheaper than MagSafe-certified accessories, which require certification by Apple in order to get the MagSafe branding. Belkin's iPhone mount attaches with MagSafe. David Carnoy/CNET Which MagSafe accessories can I use? With the launch of Qi2, there are now several different types of magnetic accessories that could work with your phone. This can get a bit confusing, but if you buy a magnetic phone accessory and your phone supports either MagSafe or Qi2, it should attach and function to varying degrees. If you buy a MagSafe or Qi2-certified wireless charger, you should be able to use it to get the maximum 15-watt wireless charging speed when you've attached it to your phone. This includes charging docks and stands which also include MagSafe or Qi2 branding. If you have an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you can get faster 25-watt charging using a MagSafe charger that's connected to a 30-watt or faster power adapter. If you buy a magnetic wireless charger that does not specify whether it's MagSafe or Qi2-certified, that likely means that while the charger will attach to your phone, it will probably charge at the original Qi standard that is limited to a 7.5-watt speed when using it with an iPhone. Results could vary when using one with an Android phone, since some phones do support 15-watt wireless charging over the prior Qi standard. And if you're buying a noncharging magnetic accessory -- like a wallet or a dock for using your phone as a webcam -- that accessory will likely work with any MagSafe-compatible phone regardless of its branding. These accessories are created with the magnets inside the phone in mind and will largely attach regardless of their certification. However, I have noticed -- in my own personal experience -- that the strength of the magnets can vary between accessory-makers. If you're buying a magnetic grip, for example, test it out a bit after buying to make sure it fits your needs like you would a pair of shoes, and don't destroy the box in case you decide to return it. Patrick Holland/CNET Which iPhones are compatible with MagSafe? Every iPhone that's been released since 2020 -- barring the iPhone SE line -- is compatible with MagSafe and the Qi2 standard. This includes the iPhone 12 line and later. The iPhone 11 is not compatible with MagSafe, but it does work with the original Qi wireless standard for charging. It just won't be as fast nor involve magnets. The HMD Skyline is one of the first Android phones with Qi2 support, including the ability to use magnetic attachments. HMD/Viva Tung/CNET Which Android phones are compatible with MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging? The HMD Skyline is the first Android phone to support the Qi2 wireless standard, with integrated magnets for attaching magnetic accessories. Outside of that device though, you can often add a "MagSafe-like" experience to an Android phone using magnetic cases that some accessory-makers create. As mentioned earlier, Samsung and OnePlus are starting to provide first-party support with magnetic cases, but there are often third-party options for adding magnets to phones that support wireless charging. Your success may vary greatly with these options, since you'd be using MagSafe or Qi2 accessories with phones that don't officially support it. Again, you should treat it like a pair of shoes and be prepared to return it if it doesn't work for you. The AirPods 3 feature wireless charging with MagSafe. Apple Can I charge my Apple Watch or AirPods over MagSafe charging? The Apple Watch does not support MagSafe charging: It uses a different type of magnetic wireless charger to refill its battery. Apple's AirPods are much more flexible, however, as depending on the model, you might be able to recharge with either an Apple Watch charger or a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger. All AirPods Pro cases support Qi wireless charging using a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi wireless charger. This also extends to the second- and third-generation standard AirPods cases. The new AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 both include Qi/MagSafe wireless charging and can use an Apple Watch charger. The standard AirPods 4, however, lack wireless charging and instead only use wired USB-C charging. Dan Ackerman/CNET What about MagSafe on Apple's MacBook laptops? MagSafe on Apple's MacBook line is separate from the line of MagSafe accessories for the iPhone. These proprietary laptop chargers -- which briefly went into retirement when the MacBook line adopted USB-C charging -- attach quickly to compatible MacBook laptops using a magnet and can easily detach in the event the cord is accidentally pulled from the laptop. This is particularly suitable for anyone who has a tendency to trip over power cords. Should your MacBook include both a MagSafe port and USB-C ports, you can choose either method for recharging your laptop. Just don't try to slap an iPhone's MagSafe charger against the computer, as that will do nothing.
Android Authority
2 hours ago
- Android Authority
Fastmail replaced my Gmail and I'm never going back
Nathan Drescher / Android Authority I had the digital equivalent of an epiphany the other day. I opened my inbox and saw…email. Only email. There were no ads, no AI-generated summaries, and no prompts. It was a strange, yet welcome, feeling after years of using Gmail. Checking my inbox no longer felt like an argument with an algorithm. That's because I switched to Fastmail earlier this year. It all began when I started distancing myself from American big tech platforms, where Google sits high on the list. I wanted something more private and more personal, with less bloat. Fastmail, an Australian company, caught my eye as a well-regarded alternative to Gmail. Six months in, I am confident I made the right choice. Would you leave Gmail for something more private? 0 votes Yes, already have. NaN % I'm thinking about it. NaN % Maybe, if Gmail gets worse. NaN % No, I'm staying with Google. NaN % Why I left Gmail and Google Calendar Nathan Drescher / Android Authority It wasn't only because Gmail is part of a big monopolistic American tech corporation. It wasn't only the insane amounts of data it collected. It was the cluttered UI and the push towards AI-driven features I never asked for. Google Calendar, meanwhile, does its job, but has begun to feel like it's trying to be something more than it is. Gemini is snooping more and more in Calendar, trying to be helpful but getting in the way. All of it felt more corporate than personal. What I wanted was a fast, private email that respected my time and let me work. I wanted a calendar that synced reliably across platforms without becoming another vector for distraction. I seriously considered Proton Mail. I have great respect for what the company is building. However, I have heard from others about occasional delivery hiccups, and I can't afford to miss an interview with a subject or an important follow-up with a client. Reliability was non-negotiable. Proton was out. How Fastmail fits into my daily life Nathan Drescher / Android Authority Fastmail handles all my email needs. The interface is clean and responsive. No tabs, no promotions. Just email. I can choose between a folder or tag structure, and I went with tags. It's one of the things I enjoy about Gmail. The Fastmail app is more than just email. There's a dropdown in the top left that allows me to switch to Calendar, Contacts, Notes, and even a cloud drive. The base plan comes with 50GB of storage, which isn't bad for $60 a year. The built-in calendar has been surprisingly strong. It syncs perfectly with the email side of the app, so appointments and meetings can be quickly added. I can share calendar events with others, even if they don't use Fastmail, and it looks great, as well. The base plan comes with 50GB of storage, which isn't bad for $60 a year. One feature I didn't expect to appreciate so much was the filtering system. I can control exactly how messages are sorted and what gets archived and flagged. It's like Gmail's labels, but with the user in mind. Notes are simple, but they work, and sync instantly between all devices. However, they're not as powerful or quick as Google Keep, so I still use that as my primary notetaking app. That said, I wasn't looking for a notes replacement. What I gained by switching Nathan Drescher / Android Authority The biggest gain in my life has been peace of mind. Fastmail isn't tracking me. My messages aren't being profiled, and Fastmail isn't trying to sell me anything. I pay it once a year, and it delivers my emails. I also gained reliability. Everything feels faster, with messages loading instantly and folders responding immediately. The search works great. There's no AI engine or smart features getting in the way. There's no AI engine or smart features getting in the way. Nathan Drescher Fastmail gives me control. I have control over my email and my calendar, and I can decide how things look and behave. That kind of ownership is preciously rare in modern digital services. Of course, there are still limits Nathan Drescher / Android Authority Nothing is perfect. Notes are barebones, and like I said, I don't use it often. It's certainly not a replacement for Keep. There's no deep integration with voice assistants, which could be a dealbreaker for some. I'm okay with it myself. There's also a learning curve when it comes to setting it up. I use a custom domain and had to mess around with my host's MX records, something I know little about. Once set up, however, it stayed out of the way. And it's not free. In this case, I'm happy to pay for something that works. I don't like being the product, after all. Fastmail gives me what I want Nathan Drescher / Android Authority It's a private and reliable alternative to Google's suite of apps. Sure, it doesn't have all the AI bells and whistles, but I see that as a selling point. I still use Google Keep, and I'm fine with that. I didn't set out to replace it, and the built-in notes feature that comes with Fastmail is more of an added bonus than a core feature for me. This was about finding tools that weren't American and respected my time and privacy. Fastmail has done exactly that. Fastmail is more than capable if you're looking to step away from the big tech oligopolies. You don't need to sacrifice usability, because Fastmail isn't trying to be clever. It just does its job well.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Google Messages wants to help you nag contacts to try RCS
Google's been a big proponent of RCS, the standard that modernizes text messaging with features like high-quality media, typing indicators, and read receipts. Apple added support for the standard last year, effectively negating some of the benefits of its proprietary and exclusive iMessage platform, which offers similar features to RCS. Now, Google's working on a feature to increase RCS adoption on the Android side. According to an APK teardown from Android Authority, Google Messages is readying a feature that'll autofill a message to contacts who aren't currently using RCS, encouraging them to enable the feature on their device. Once activated, when Messages detects that the person you're texting is using SMS, it'll present the option to "Text an invite" that reads: Hi! I noticed you're using SMS to text. We can share high-quality media and send secure messages when we're both on RCS. Want to try? On Android, the link in the invite text currently redirects to the Play Store listing for the Google Messages app, even if Google Messages is already installed. That won't help anyone who's currently using Messages with RCS turned off, but it's possible that link behavior or even the contents of the message could change before this feature rolls out. Compared to SMS, RCS definitely allows for a superior texting experience. I'm not sure many people will be convinced to try it by an automated text message, but the feature should still raise awareness about RCS generally. This new feature was discovered in the latest beta build of the Google Messages app; it's not live just yet. Considering Messages already detects whether the person you're texting is using RCS, though, this addition seems pretty simple to implement. I'd expect to see this rolling out on the user side in the near future.
