More and more vital signs are being monitored by wearables. They connect to smartphones and record all user information, controlling levels and warning in case of problems.
Smartphones can also take on this role, albeit partially. Google now wants to change this and is preparing a change in its Fit app. It will be able to measure heartbeat and breathing with the Android camera.
Most vital level measuring devices use their own dedicated sensors. Many brands of smartphones have tried to use other elements to compensate this lack, almost always using the same. They use the camera and flash to measure their heartbeat.
Of course Google wants to go further and create a solution that can measure more and better, without using external hardware. Using only the camera and its Fit app promises to measure both the user’s heartbeat and breathing.
To take the breath measurement Google will ask the user to fit into the image. After that it will be enough to be monitored for a few seconds and collect information. The camera will record the movements and Google’s AI will detect what respirations and expirations are.
In the case of heartbeat measurement, Google bets on a model that has not always worked. It will use the camera of its smartphones to identify practically unnoticeable changes in the colour of its fingers.
The user only needs to place his finger on the camera lens for a maximum of 30 seconds to take the measurement. Google says it is not necessary to use the smartphone’s flash to take the measurement. It is recommended to use it for higher accuracy in lower light environments.
This novelty will arrive very soon, but at first only on Google’s Pixel smartphones, and it is expected to be extended to other models. The company also states that the measurements performed should not be used for medical diagnostics, serving to monitor and improve the user’s well-being.
