In a significant development for health and safety, Google has announced that it is initiating the rollout of a groundbreaking feature called Loss of Pulse Detection for Pixel Watch 3 owners in the United States, effective today. This innovative tool is designed to enhance user safety by automatically checking for pulse detection and, in the unfortunate event that a pulse cannot be detected, will alert emergency services at the push of a button.

The introduction of Loss of Pulse Detection is a noteworthy enhancement that Google has been aiming to bring to its U.S. customers for some time. Initially marketed as a part of the Pixel Watch 3's capabilities last year, the feature had been available in various other countries prior to this rollout, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) necessary for its operation within the United States.

Google successfully secured FDA approval for the feature in February 2025, clearing the way for its launch alongside the March Pixel Feature Drop. Although Google initially projected a rollout by the end of March, delays pushed the launch until today, April 8, 2025. The full rollout across all U.S. Pixel Watch 3 users is expected to take a couple of weeks, ensuring that users can eventually benefit from this crucial safety measure.

Loss of Pulse Detection is more than just a convenience; it is a vital tool that can potentially save lives. As described by Google, the feature is capable of detecting when an individual has experienced a loss of pulse and can automatically initiate a call to emergency services if the wearer appears unresponsive. This feature complements the existing Emergency SOS function available on the Pixel Watch, which allows quick access to emergency services with just a few taps.

To take advantage of this new safety feature, users will need to opt-in manually once it becomes available on their device. This can be done by opening the Google Pixel Watch app on their smartphone, navigating to the Safety and Emergency section, and selecting Loss of Pulse Detection. Following the on-screen instructions will enable the feature, which will then continuously monitor the user's heart rate and check for any interruptions in pulse detection.

Prior to its availability in the U.S., Loss of Pulse Detection had been successfully launched in 14 countries, beginning with its rollout to users in the European Union last year. This international precedent showcases the feature's effectiveness and the potential benefits it can provide to users across the globe.

The announcement of the U.S. rollout aligns with Google's broader commitment to enhancing the health and safety capabilities of its devices. As part of the April 2025 update, all Pixel Watch models will receive improvements and updates, ensuring that users have access to the latest in smart technology.