Fall Detection: Perfect System?
Fall Detection can be thought as both a safety measure and the way to implement it. Usually it is used in medical alert devices to make sure any minor change in wearer’s movement is noted and device performs the following procedure:
- Alert the Emergency services to ensure help is reached in time.
- Call the Emergency contacts saved by the device owner to let them know of distress sign.
In retrospect it is pretty self-explanatory, it is a system that serves the single purpose of calling for help in times of need. However, it is not always 100% accurate, even though precision of its reading is heavenly depended on the nature of device it is implemented in, considering the parameters it uses – readings from sensors usually Accelerometer – it is possible for the system to remain ignorant in many cases.
So perfect system is not very perfect! But is it useful?
Why Fall Detection Can Come Handy
Although there is no guarantee of 100% accuracy Fall Detection still posit the chance to make a whole lot of difference, and as it happens, sometimes all that is needed is a chance. Think about it, if you are in charge of an elderly person and they happen to be at the edge, wouldn’t you feel much better to leave them alone for a while if you’d know there is possibility you could be alerted of their distress.
Yes, given the system tendency to pick on fast and rapid falls more, you could feel the dread thinking of a scenario where essence of fall lies with words slow and sluggish. I don’t think anyone sane would or should let go of the possibility of otherwise.
If something can help, it should be allowed to help.
Our Pick For You…
Since it is not possible for everyone to have access to Medical Alert devices specially crafted for the Fall Detection, many smartwatches manufacturer have cherry picked the idea and implemented in their products. Thus written below you’d fine 4 top smartwatches available in the market today that not only have Fall Detection, but the best digital wearable world has to offer.
Apple Watch Series 8: The Best Overall
If there is one brand that have leisure to do how they deem fit and still end up with billion in sales it is Apple. Having a dedicated customer base Apple have been influencing the market share of IoT landscape for decades now, and rightfully so, they changed the game with iPhone, and with fall of Fitbit in 2015, Apple have been clear leader of wearable market.
So it should be no surprise to anyone Apple’s latest release in smartwatch world is charting at the top. Released in September of 2022 Apple Series 8 is blessed with functions at helm, and one of them happen to be called Fall Detection.
In order to set it up all you need is synced up iPhone and Emergency SOS on MyWatch application turned on. Apple provides two mode for the feature to work out, one is Always-On, which as the name states will monitor the movement 24/7, whereas the other one is specially meant when you’d be working out.
Either way, if watch would detect fall, it would alert the user with buzz followed by alert and alarm. At this point you’d have two options: Tap the screen to let smartwatch know you are okay, or use the digital crown on the side of your Apple watch to stop the alert.
In happenstance you don’t do neither of those, Apple Watch is programmed to start 30 seconds timer with loud alarm to call for aid in close proximity. Once 30 seconds period would be over, your Series 8 will contact Emergency Services while sharing the coordinates and sent distress alert to Emergency Contacts saved in Medical ID.
Tip: Always make sure you have updated the Emergency Contacts in your Medical ID.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Ideal For Galaxy Phone Users
Samsung have always put special emphasis to make life better for Galaxy smartphone users, and it is alright. For sure, that doesn’t mean their products or in this case smartwatches are not suitable for others, although if you are iPhone user I’d suggest you to look away now. What actually matters is just like Apple Samsung also holds a substantial ground in the wearable market and it’s all thanks to the company dedication to produce excellent digital watches.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 was innovatie. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 was creative. And now Samsung Galaxy 5 is making big strides.
Hence it is also not unfamiliar with Fall Detection system. If you are using Galaxy phone and planning to buy smartwatch, I can’t think of better option than Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Although to ensure you can implement the Detection system make sure your device is updated.
The rest is easy and simple to follow:
- Go to Galaxy Wearable application.
- In Watch settings go to Advanced Settings.
- Click on SOS, and then tap on Detect Falls.
- Set up Emergency Contacts.
- Give your Galaxy Watch 5 needed permissions.
Now that your smartwatch have set up Fall Detection in event of tragedy your watch will start 60 seconds timer with alarm and alert. If under that time frame it wouldn’t receive response from your end, Galaxy Watch 5 would access your Emergency Contacts and let them know.
Fun Fact: You can also activate SOS system by pressing home key thrice!
Garmin Venu 2: The Unique One
While Garmin isn’t the household name that Apple and Samsung have been for decades, in the wearable industry American giant has been present for 34 years now. So it’d be safe to assume they are more than familiar with needs and wants of the timepiece wearer’s.
Although Garmin Venu 2 isn’t the only Garmin manufactured watch to have Fall Detection, there are others too, since it clearly is up for debate to be company’s flagship we couldn’t think of a better option. Likewise we aim to present the very best here and Garmin Venu 2 is certainly one of the best.
With one small change…
Instead of calling it Fall Detection Garmin have set the name of system to Incident Detection. So if you are Venu 2 user and wondering in what world is Fall Detection present, be mindful, and take the words here with dose of common sense.
If you are not Garmin user but intend to become one in future, here is what you should know. For Incident Detection to work properly you should set up Emergency Contacts beforehand in Garmin Connect app. Because failing to do so and there could be consequences.
“How can I do that Mr Ezhan?”
It is pretty easy, do the following:
- From the watch face, hold B
- Select Settings > Safety & Tracking > Incident Detection.
- Select an activity.
In case of fall detection or tripping your Venu 2 would give you 15 seconds before mailing as well texting Emergency Contacts saved in app with your name and location. However, keep in mind, for smooth operations make sure your phone is always connected to your Garmin Venu 2 and there is data coverage available in the region.
Pixel Watch: Interesting Prospect
Released in September of 2022 Pixel Watch can be thought of as Google dipping its toe in the uncharted water of wearable landscape. Which is not surprising considering the Alphabet Inc (Google Parent Company) acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 and Google’s decade long plan to compete with Apple in the tech front.
And of course Fitbit failure to never implement Fall Detection in any of their trackers.
Although I don’t think Sundar Pichai would’ve given orders for Pixel Watch because he just found out Fitbit doesn’t have Fall Detection. Google had always dreamt of yellow and red future where they could rule with iron fist just as they do in Search Engine market.
Either way, Pixel Watch is amazing piece of tech, that seems not only carefully crafted but beautifully made to elevate its wearer. I’ve had it for few weeks now and I love it.
“Does It Have Fall Detection though?”
Yes. Pixel Watch has Fall Detection, but since it has been added in the recent release (it wasn’t present at the time of its release in September) depending on what region you reside you might not have it at the moment.
“How does it work? Is it any different than Apple Watch?”
No. If anything it is similar to how it was in Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, and Garmin Venu 2. Save contacts. Set up Fall Detection. You’d be given time to respond. In case of no response the watch will send alert. Easy Peasy.
Before You Go
The following statement might feel futile but “smartwatches are really smart,” needs to be understood better. While as a tech enthusiast nothing fills me with more joy than having to experience a new piece of tech that could potentially make lives better.
I truly believe they shouldn’t be your sole reason to do something or not. It is vital for us to understand the limitations that exist within the gadgets we trust our lives with, because they are not accurate, at least not always.
Hence it is our duty to regulate their implementation in our lives. While more is merrier, it’d be always suggestable to be mindful, wary, and keep an open eye for inaccurate reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are Fall Detection smartwatches that work with iOS. Some popular options include the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2. Both of these smartwatches have fall detection feature and are compatible with iOS devices.
The cost of a Fall Detection smartwatch can vary depending on the specific device and its features. Some Fall Detection smartwatches can cost as little as $100, while others can cost several hundred dollars.
Yes, Fall Detection smartwatches can be used by elderly people. Many smartwatches with feature are specifically designed for older adults and have larger, easy-to-read displays, and simple navigation.
