All Pixel Watches will have fall detection from Google

Google’s Pixel Watch fall detection feature is available today. Motion sensors and on-device machine learning detect hard falls and connect users to help. Since the Apple Watch Series 4 launched in 2018, Apple has offered fall detection. Google announced during Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.

Pixel Watch users can enable fall detection today. The Watch Companion App’s “Updates” page or the Personal Safety app’s fall detection toggle will display a promotional card.

After a hard fall and 30 seconds without movement, a Pixel Watch will vibrate, sound an alarm, and display an on-screen notification to see if the user needs help. If they can, users should tap “I’m OK” to dismiss the notification or “I fell and need help” to call emergency services.

If a user doesn’t select either prompt, the watch’s alarm will continue for about a minute, getting louder in the final seconds. The watch will automatically call emergency services and play a message requesting help if the user doesn’t respond. If possible, the user can tell the emergency operator they need help.

Google says Pixel Watches have been “extensively” tested to distinguish between a hard fall and a vigorous physical activity or a small stumble. The company says burpees won’t accidentally call 911.

Google announced fall detection for the smartwatch in winter at launch. USA, Canada, UK, France, Ireland, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan offer fall detection.