Google wants to use the Pixel Watch to identify signs of high blood pressure, and is readying a Fitbit Hypertension Study.
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.
Version 4.53 of Fitbit for Android reveals an upcoming “Fitbit Hypertension Study.” The aim is to “advance research for hypertension screening with the Pixel Watch.”
After consenting to join the study, you’ll fill out a questionnaire. Those selected for the program “will have sensor data collected from their watch during normal wear.” Google warns that this “study may increase your Pixel Watch’s battery consumption.”
Meanwhile, a randomly selected “group will also be asked to wear a monitor to measure blood pressure for 24 hours.” They will receive $50 as compensation for wearing and returning the equipment.
This comes as the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and 11 now offer hypertension notifications with watchOS 26. This does not display what your actual blood pressure is, and instead just identifies patterns associated with hypertension over a 30-day period. It leverages the optical HR sensor and an “algorithm that can detect potential hypertension by analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart.” Apple similarly conducted a study with over 100,000 participants.
The Pixel Watch will presumably work in a similar manner, and not require the latest model.
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