Pixel Watch 3 includes an important health feature that the Apple Watch lacks.

      Joe Maring / Digital Trends

      Last summer, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 3, emphasizing its innovative “loss-of-pulse” feature. This feature has now received regulatory approval and, according to the company, will be accessible to users in the U.S. starting in March.

      The “loss-of-pulse” feature is a significant advancement that can identify when a user’s heartbeat ceases. If this happens and the user does not reply to a prompt, the watch will automatically contact emergency services for potentially life-saving assistance. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning.

      Currently, this feature is already available in 14 countries across the E.U.

      Wearable devices like the Pixel Watch 3, recent Apple Watches, and Samsung Galaxy Watches have long provided safety and health functionalities, including fall detection, notifications for irregular heart rhythms, and an ECG app. However, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out due to its distinctive “loss-of-pulse” feature. With this feature now approved by U.S. regulators, similar capabilities are expected to be rolled out in future devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

      The Pixel Watch 3 marks an evolution in the Pixel Watch line, offering users a choice of two sizes to fit various wrist sizes and preferences. The design features a smaller bezel that enhances aesthetics while increasing the display area, allowing for a better view of notifications, apps, and watch faces.

      Notably, the battery life of the Pixel Watch 3 lasts over 24 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life enables users to wear the watch day and night, making it ideal for sleep tracking and health monitoring without the need for frequent recharging.

      Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 includes a range of running features tailored for fitness enthusiasts. It offers real-time pace tracking, GPS capabilities, and customizable training modes suited for runners at different experience levels.

      The watch also provides health-tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, stress management tools, and sleep analysis, encouraging users to keep a close eye on their health and fitness. With integration into the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 3 aims to offer a user-friendly experience for those seeking both style and functionality in wearable technology.

      Bryan M. Wolfe has more than a decade of experience as a technology writer, focusing on mobile topics.

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      Devices that displayed a welcome screen post-update appear to have a greater likelihood of reactivating these features. Reddit user u/Hanthunius reported encountering the issue on their iPhone 15 Pro Max, while others experienced the restoration of features on Mac devices. MacRumors tested this hypothesis, and although Apple Intelligence remained disabled on their iPadOS and iOS tests, the situation was different for the Mac Mini.

      OnePlus Watch 3: what to expect

      The OnePlus Watch 3 is anticipated to be unveiled on February 18, and TechRadar recently got an exclusive glimpse at this wearable device.

      The new watch from the manufacturer of the OnePlus 13 is expected to operate on Wear OS 5, powered by the Snapdragon W5 chipset, which includes an additional MCU chip. This combination is expected to result in up to 120 hours of battery life between charges.

      The Fitbit app needs improvement — here’s how Google could enhance it

      It has been 14 years since Fitbit entered the market, starting a journey that now boasts over 120 million users. This journey reached new heights four years ago when Google acquired the company for $2.1 billion, yet it took nearly three years for the Fitbit innovation to integrate into Google's hardware lineup.

      The outcome is the Pixel Watch 3, which launched alongside the Pixel 9 series last year. It ranks among my favorite health devices from last year and rightfully deserves a spot on the best smartwatch list due to its outstanding heart rate monitoring capabilities, which surpass those of any smartwatch made by a phone manufacturer.