Pixel Watch: fall detection is here… and it won’t call for help if you’re exercising

The functionality arrives today on the connected watchand Google couldn’t help throwing a small spade at Apple in passing.

A few months after its launch, the Pixel Watch continues on its merry way and is enriched with new features integrated over time in the various updates offered to users of the connected watch.

An automatic call to the emergency services in the event of a fall

It is through a blog post that Google announces the arrival in the Pixel Watch of a fall detection system. The latter will use the various sensors present in the device, such as the accelerometer or the gyroscope as well as machine learning solutions to automatically identify if the user has fallen during a walk or physical activity.

In case of detection, the screen will display an alert message with a large “OK” button to tell the watch that everything is fine and that no injuries are to be deplored. Otherwise, another red button “I fell and I need help” will allow one click to automatically contact the emergency services. If the user is unconscious, a one-minute alarm will sound to wake him up, and if the user does not respond to the beep, help will be contacted automatically.

An automated message will be delivered to the support teams on the other end of the phone, with the information helping them locate the owner of the watch. The latter can also use the integrated microphones to converse with a rescuer and give him more information about the accident.

Google pokes fun at Apple and its recent setbacks on the ski slopes

Google does not stop there and explains that its fall detection system is sufficiently trained to avoid being triggered at all times, such as during a fall from skiing or in ” doing burpees [ndlr : des exercices de musculation qui sollicitent tout le corps] “.

” Your Pixel Watch knows the difference between taking a hard fall and performing vigorous physical activity, or even recovering quickly from a minor stumble, thanks to our machine learning algorithms and rigorous testing “Explains the Mountain View firm. She adds : ” We created this process using a wide variety of human and simulated fall data, and other motion patterns to accurately detect real falls and minimize potential false alarms. »

These indications are not given by chance. It is indeed a heartfelt spade at Apple, which offers the same type of car accident detection with the latest iPhone 14s as well as the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Since the launch, the manufacturer has reviewed its copy several times after its latest devices called the emergency services following detection errors during ski falls or in the thrill rides of amusement parks.

The fall detection option is available today on the Pixel Watch. If you wear a copy of this watch, you will need to go to the companion application on your Android smartphone, then to the “Update” page or in the “Personal security” application of the connected watch. We now hope that Google will have worked its solution enough to avoid a backlash, which would not fail to arrive on social networks.

Source : Engadget