Pixel Phones will soon be able to read heart rates and breathing with their cameras

Google's very own Pixel phones will soon be capable of measuring heart rates and breathing without needing a smartwatch. The device will use its cameras to measure it. Google plans to add this feature as soon as this month. The feature should arrive in other Android phones eventually.

According to an official blogpost, the front camera will be used to measure the breathing of the user. The camera will calculate how often the user inhales and exhales per minute.

Image source: Google

The main camera of the device will be used to measure the heart rate.  By placing a finger on the camera the device will evaluate colour changes, which Google interprets as blood flow. Google further stated that both of the features are wellness feature and they should't used for diagnosing medical problems.

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Where is the Pixel Watch and when can we expect it?

Image: Google

The heart rate reading from Google’s app most probably won't be as accurate as a wearable device, as wearables can continuously monitor heart rate throughout the day as someone goes through their daily life. But according to Jack Po, a researcher at Google, an at-home feature to check in on these metrics on demand is still a helpful tool.