Google’s new Pixel Watch 3 is shaking up the wearable tech scene with its innovative Loss of Pulse Detection. Announced at a recent event in Mountain View, California, this feature monitors blood flow and alerts the wearer if something seems off. If the wearer doesn’t respond, the watch can even call emergency services. Currently, this feature is available in Europe, but Google is pushing to bring it to the U.S. soon.

The Pixel Watch 3 arrives at a time when Google has been working hard to make its mark in a market dominated by Garmin, Apple, and Samsung. Despite these challenges, the Pixel Watch 3 shows strong progress. Wear OS, the platform powering these devices, saw a 40 percent increase in 2023. Sandeep Waraich, Google’s product management lead for Wearables, notes that millions of Pixel Watches have been sold since the original model launched two years ago.

Equipped with a cutting-edge PPG sensor, the Pixel Watch 3 tracks blood circulation with high accuracy. It uses advanced algorithms to detect pulse loss and includes multiple checks to prevent false alarms. If a problem is detected and the wearer doesn’t respond, the watch sends out a help signal and contacts emergency services.

Battery life is a major focus for the Pixel Watch 3. It comes in two sizes: a 41-mm model and a 45-mm model with a 35 percent larger battery. Thanks to Google’s acquisition of KoruLab, which specializes in low-power displays, the Pixel Watch 3 is more efficient than its predecessors. It offers up to 36 hours of use with Battery Saver mode, although the standard battery life claim remains 24 hours.

When it comes to repairs, Google is sticking with replacements rather than offering repair services for the Pixel Watch 3. The device will receive updates for three years, but it doesn’t include Google’s custom Tensor processor, which might limit some future innovations.

Google continues to support both Fitbit and Google Fit for fitness tracking. Fitbit is exclusive to Pixel Watches and select Fitbit devices, while Google Fit is available on all Wear OS watches but hasn’t seen major updates recently.

Despite the growing interest in smart rings from brands like Oura and Samsung, Google isn’t planning to enter that market. Instead, the company is focusing on expanding its smartwatch and fitness tracker offerings to meet various user needs.

The Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant step forward in wearable technology, offering new health features and better performance while addressing ongoing challenges in battery life and repairability.