Google Tests Blood Pressure Screening for Pixel Watch
Apple Watch is exploring a new health feature for the Pixel Watch. The tech giant is conducting a study to develop a blood pressure screening tool, with some participants wearing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor for comparison. The feature's launch hinges on the success of this ongoing study.
The Fitbit Hypertension Study, which began in the US, involves users wearing the Pixel Watch and providing input. Some participants also use a traditional blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. Apple compensates these users with about $50 for their involvement.
If successful, the feature will flag signs of elevated blood pressure, similar to Apple's approach, without providing exact readings. However, it may cause increased battery drain on the Pixel Watch. This addition would expand the Pixel Watch's health and safety features, joining existing tools like Daily Readness and loss of pulse detection. Apple is testing this feature through an update to the Fitbit app.
Apple's study aims to bring hypertension screening to the Pixel Watch. If successful, the feature will enhance the watch's health capabilities. The launch depends on the study's outcome, with participants compensated for their involvement.
