Google Pixel Watch Gets Health & Fitness Upgrades; Can It Challenge Apple?
Advanced wellness features like blood oxygen tracking, heart rate alerts and auto-pause for workouts make Google’s watch more competitive
The Google Pixel Watch released a new update this week, introducing advanced wellness features like blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, heart rate alerts and auto-pause for workouts. With the updates, Pixel Watch is positioned as a more competitive option in a market currently dominated by Apple.
One of the notable improvements is the inclusion of blood oxygen monitoring. The Google Pixel Watch now has a SpO2 sensor that can track your nighttime oxygen saturation levels and detect any unusual changes. The feature has the potential to identify sleep conditions like sleep apnea, providing valuable insights for individuals who wake up feeling less rested than desired.
The heart rate sensor on the Pixel Watch has also been enhanced with high and low heart rate alerts. These alerts proactively notify users when their heart rate falls outside their normal range, enabling early intervention if necessary. This functionality has proven beneficial in cases where individuals have been diagnosed with long-term effects of COVID-19. By providing warnings about irregular heart rates, the Pixel Watch can potentially contribute to improved health outcomes and encourage users to seek medical attention when needed.
The auto-pause feature introduced in the update adds more convenience to exercise routines. Similar to the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch now automatically pauses a workout when the user stops moving and ensures that users’ pace and progress are accurately tracked. When the activity resumes, the workout automatically continues, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Looking ahead, Google has confirmed the development of Wear OS 4, which promises exciting upgrades. The exact release date for the software update is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be available before the end of the year. These developments suggest Google’s dedication to ongoing improvements and innovation in its wearable technology.