Blood pressure measurement for Google Pixel Watch: Code hints at high blood pressure warning similar to Apple Watch

While only the Huawei Watch D2 can provide truly reliable blood pressure data, watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 at least offer rough estimates after calibration with a conventional blood pressure monitor. The Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, take a slightly different approach. Instead of showing users accurate readings, they only receive a notification when the smartwatch detects high blood pressure.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 could soon offer a similar feature. 9to5Google has found references to a "Fitbit Hypertension Study" in the code of the Fitbit app in version 4.53. This study is intended to promote the development of hypertension detection on the Pixel Watch. Participation in this study may reduce the battery life of the Pixel Watch because the sensors collect additional data.

Some participants will be asked to also wear a conventional blood pressure monitor for a period of 24 hours, for which Google will pay compensation of $50. The fact that Google is planning such a study makes it clear that the company wants to emulate the Apple Watch's hypertension detection feature. However, it remains unknown when this new feature will be available to all users or on which Google Pixel Watch models this form of blood pressure measurement will work.