New Apple Watches may soon feature drowning detection
Your Apple Watch might become your poolside guardian angel!
Imagine enjoying a relaxing dip in the pool, and your Apple Watch silently transforms into a guardian angel. This futuristic scenario might be closer than you think, thanks to a recent patent filed by Apple.
The patent outlines a system that utilises the Apple Watch's existing arsenal of sensors to identify "irregular behaviour" that could signal a swimmer in distress.
This potentially life-saving feature has the potential to significantly reduce drowning-related fatalities, a major public health concern, reports Mac Observer.
According to the patent application filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Apple Watch would become a drowning detection device by analysing data from its gyroscope and accelerometer.
These sensors track your movements, and significant deviations from typical swimming patterns could trigger an alert. Imagine the watch recognising frantic splashing or a sudden drop in movement – both potential signs of someone struggling underwater.
That’s not all. The patent hints at the Apple Watch incorporating heart rate monitoring as well. A rapid or erratic heart rate alongside unusual movement patterns could paint a clearer picture of a potential drowning situation.
Here's where things get even more exciting. The patent suggests the Apple Watch could not only detect a potential drowning incident but also take action. It might sound an alarm on the watch itself, notifying the wearer they've triggered the drowning detection feature.
Additionally, it could send alerts to nearby Apple devices, potentially summoning help from friends or family at the pool. While it's important to remember this is currently just a patent, it offers a glimpse into a future where the Apple Watch becomes more than just a fitness tracker.
It could transform into a vital safety device, keeping a watchful eye on us even when we're underwater.
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