By Nitin Chavhan
1. Google researchers have developed technology that can turn standard earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into heart rate monitors.
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2. No additional hardware or sensors are required for this technology. According to the research, just a single software update is enough.
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3. The technology relies on a pulse-like signal/sound to monitor the user's heart rate.
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4. It has no impact on the regular performance or battery life of the earbuds. However, providing long lasting battery as usual.
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5. This innovative technology was showcased at Mobicom 2023.
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6. Google has shared a research paper titled “APG: Audioplethysmography for Cardiac Monitoring in Hearables” that explains the technology.
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7. The method involves emitting sound into the ear and listening for echoes, which change with variations in blood vessels, revealing the user's heartbeat.
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8. Google has developed algorithms to interpret these echoes and determine heart rate and changes, even while users are in motion or listening to music.
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9. The technology can be added to existing ANC earbuds with a simple software update, provided they have ANC technology.
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10. Google's research suggests that APG is an effective and affordable method for heart rate monitoring.
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