I know a month seems like an eternity ago, but do you remember the features of Google Fit Mobile Vitals that were announced – you know, the ones that promised heart rate and respiratory monitoring without any extra hardware? Did Google’s exclusive timed pixel remind us that it would come during the March feature drop? Well, we’ve been told that the pair of Mobile Vitals features (which work with nothing more than your phone’s existing camera) start rolling out to Pixels on Monday, and we even know how they’ll be in action.
The two new features are honestly really cool. If you don’t remember the previous explanation, both features (which are linked to something called the Mobile Vitals tool) work only using your phone’s camera.
Heart rate monitoring with the new Mobile Vitals tool.
In the case of the heart rate monitor, you simply cover the camera with your finger and apply “light pressure” as it is fully covered. The camera’s sensor can pick up subtle color suggestions (called “pulsatile photoplethysmographic signals”), which are often very difficult to see. But with these tips, he can track his circulatory system as he pumps and report back at a specific heart rate in beats per minute. You can also save this measurement to your heart rate record.
Measure the respiratory rate in the Mobile Vitals tool.
The respiratory rate tracking feature also uses the camera, but you should support it to get a clear view of your upper torso – Amazon Halo style – so you can see your chest movement while you breathe. Based on the movements he sees, he can calculate his breathing rate in breaths per minute. Again, you can save the measurement to your log, if you wish.
Both measurements can be an indication that your health is changing and, although Google makes it very clear with the examples above that this does not constitute a medical test or treatment for any condition, now your smartphone can measure both easily without dealing with external hardware.
As you would expect, everything is processed on the device too, so you don’t have to worry about videos of you looking at the camera while breathing, circulating on the internet – unless it’s something you specifically want, separately from that.
Again, the features are exclusive to Google Pixels. Other phones will get them later, Pixels will only get them first, although we have not received a firm schedule, requirements, or device availability for a broader implementation. (And if we hear more, we’ll let you know.) We’ve been informed that it’s reaching all supported Pixels, which I assume excludes the Pixel 2 series, as it’s no longer receiving updates.