The Google Pixel Watch has recently introduced a new feature that could potentially save lives: fall detection. This feature uses motion sensors and AI to detect when a user has taken a hard fall and hasn’t moved for some time. This is the company’s first smartwatch, and it has this special function. In the event of a heavy fall, the watch will ask the user if they need medical attention and automatically make an emergency call. Google detailed the work behind how it developed this feature in its Keyword blog. Before looking at the details, let us take a look at how the Google Pixel Watch fall detection feature works
How Does Google Pixel Watch Fall Detection Work?
According to a blog post by Google, the Pixel Watch uses its motion sensors to determine if the user has taken a hard fall. If the watch detects a fall, it will wait for about 30 seconds to see if the user moves. If there is no movement, the watch will vibrate, sound an alarm, and display an on-screen notification to check if the user needs help. After this, if the user doesn’t respond, the watch will wait for another 60 seconds before placing a call to emergency services with an automated voice message letting them know that the Pixel Watch detected a fall.
Details of the Pixel Watch heavy fall detection feature
Paras Unadkat, head of products at Google, said that to understand what a “heavy fall” is, it is necessary to collect a large amount of data and train an AI model to distinguish different types of movement patterns. To this end, Google sought help from some universities and labs that were already studying falls. The company then built devices that simulate falls and observe people’s reactions when they lose their balance. Google also uses computer vision to try to visualize different types of falls.
In addition, Google took into account aspects of physics, such as the different limb lengths and body shapes of humans. To better train the sensors inside the watch, Google also brought in stuntmen and made them actually fall to the ground. There are many tiny sensors inside the watch. They can not only sense the user’s movement but also monitor the user’s heart rate, steps and sleep. These sensors can identify the typical response of the human body when a heavy fall occurs.
Multiple tests
Google said that during the development process, it also conducted extensive testing to ensure that the watch did not misjudge the user’s daily activities as emergencies. For example, in high-intensity activities such as jumping, swimming, and push-ups, the watch can remain “calm” and recognize that these are routine exercises.
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The final step is to enable users to get help quickly. Google said it had been testing its fall detection feature for more than a year, involving hundreds of people, before officially releasing the Pixel Watch. Google is also working with the emergency response community to test call quality when the watch automatically makes calls to ensure the voice is clear and informative.
Launched last fall, the Pixel Watch only gained fall detection in late February. After a hard fall, the watch will display two options: “I’m injured & need help” and “I’m fine”. If you have the Wi-Fi version of the watch, you’ll need to be within range of your phone’s Bluetooth connection to contact emergency services.
In addition, to fall detection, Pixel Watch also added other health and safety features in the latest June 2023 update, including enabling the SpO2 sensor to monitor the user’s blood oxygen level.
How to Turn On Google Pixel Watch Fall Detection
If you have a Pixel Watch and want to turn on the fall detection feature, you can do so by following these steps:
- Open the Google Pixel Watch app on your phone.
- Tap on “Safety and Emergency” and then “Fall detection.”
- Toggle on the “Fall detection” feature.
Why Should You Use Google Pixel Watch Fall Detection?
Fall detection is not just for older or accident-prone individuals. It is a feature that can benefit anyone who engages in activities that could potentially lead to a fall. For example, if you go on frequent hikes alone, engage in sports, or even change a light bulb on a ladder, you could benefit from this feature.
The Pixel Watch’s fall detection feature provides peace of mind and could potentially save your life in an emergency. It is a feature that is easy to turn on and could make a significant difference in your safety.
Final Words
The Google Pixel Watch’s fall detection feature is a life-saving addition to the smartwatch market. It uses motion sensors and AI to detect when a user has taken a hard fall and hasn’t moved for around 30 seconds. If the user doesn’t respond to the watch’s notification, the watch will wait for another 60 seconds before placing a call to emergency services with an automated voice message letting them know that the Pixel Watch detected a fall.
After a hard fall, if the user is still concious, the user can click one of two options – “I’m injured & need help” and “I’m fine”. If the user click the former, the watch will place a call to emergency services. However, if the user clicks the latter, it will disregard the situation. This feature is easy to turn on and could benefit anyone who engages in activities that could potentially lead to a fall.
