Google announces new safety tools for Wear OS watches. These tools help people who might fall or need urgent help. The features arrive on Pixel Watch models first later this year. Other Wear OS watches get them later.
(Google Wear OS adds “fall detection” and “emergency help”)
The fall detection tool uses the watch’s sensors. It knows if you’ve fallen hard. The watch then checks if you are okay. It vibrates and sounds an alarm. You have a short time to respond. If you don’t respond, the watch acts. It automatically calls emergency services. It also sends your location to your emergency contacts. This happens without you touching the watch.
The emergency help feature is different. You start it yourself. Press and hold the side button on your Pixel Watch. A countdown starts. The watch vibrates. After five seconds, it calls emergency services. It also texts your location to your chosen emergency contacts. You can cancel it during the countdown if needed.
Google says these tools are vital for many people. They help older adults. They help people with certain health issues. They help anyone who might be alone during a fall. Quick help can make a big difference.
The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 get these features first. Google plans this for the fourth quarter of 2024. Other Wear OS watches from different brands will follow. Updates will bring the tools to older models too.
(Google Wear OS adds “fall detection” and “emergency help”)
The emergency call function needs a connected phone nearby. The watch uses the phone’s connection. Location sharing also needs the paired phone. The features work where emergency calling is available. Google targets major markets like the US, EU, and Japan initially.
