Google Pixel Watch Finally Gets Fall Detection

Google is rolling out fall detection for the Pixel Watch, the company announced in a blog post. Similar to the Apple Watch's version, Google's fall detection feature utilizes motion sensors and machine learning to determine if the user has taken a fall and needs help.

How Fall Detection Works on the Google Pixel Watch

The Google Pixel Watch's fall detection feature uses built-in motion sensors, paired with machine learning, to sense if the wearer has taken a hard fall.

If the user doesn't respond within 30 seconds, an alarm will be triggered, and a message will pop up asking if they need help. If the user still doesn't respond, emergency services get notified.

Google assures that the Pixel Watch won't make an accidental emergency call, seemingly taking a jab at Apple. The Apple Watch is infamous for sometimes triggering emergency alerts even if there's no fall.

Google states in its blog post, "Worried that doing burpees or hitting the ski slopes will trigger an accidental emergency call? Your Pixel Watch knows the difference between taking a hard fall and performing a vigorous physical activity or quickly recovering from a small stumble - thanks to our machine learning algorithms and rigorous testing."

Pixel Watch users can turn on fall detection from the Updates page in the Watch Companion app. There's also an option to enable the feature directly on the Pixel Watch from the Personal Safety app.

While setting up fall detection, there's a toggle on a setting called "Help improve fall detection," which allows the company to collect motion sensor data to improve the feature. Users can switch off the fall detection feature if they no longer need it.

Besides fall detection, the Pixel Watch has an Emergency SOS option that notifies trusted contacts or emergency responders if the user is feeling unsafe.

Source: Google blog