Google Developing Hypertension Detection Feature for Wear OS, Modeled After Apple Watch
Google is actively developing a new feature aimed at identifying potential hypertension symptoms, mirroring a recent addition to Apple Watch functionality. The companyS efforts currently manifest as a hypertension study within the Fitbit app (version 4.53 for Android).
Currently, the study is being offered to users who can opt-in to participate. Participation begins with completing a detailed questionnaire, followed by the collection of various measured data from their Fitbit device or smartwatch. This data will be submitted to researchers for analysis.
To enhance the accuracy of the study,a select group of participants will be asked to wear a traditional blood pressure monitor for a full 24-hour period. Participants agreeing to this extended monitoring will receive a $50 reward, and their data will further contribute to the research base.
The ultimate goal is to create a feature for future Pixel Watch models – and possibly other Wear OS smartwatches – capable of detecting high blood pressure. This functionality is expected to operate similarly to the hypertension detection on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.
It’s important to note that, like the Apple Watch, this feature will likely provide an indicative reading only. Apple Watch data has demonstrated an approximate 66% accuracy in detecting hypertension, often identifying chronic conditions rather than acute events. Google’s implementation is also expected to function as an alert, prompting users to confirm readings with a standard blood pressure monitor or consult a medical professional.
